Jacobean porch and courtyard, Tamworth Castle

Description:The coat of arms of the Ferrers family is seen carved in stone above the main doorway of the castle. The family lived in the castle between about 1688 and 1751.

Tamworth's Norman motte and bailey castle has over 900 years of history. From about 1101 to 1291 it was one of many homes to the Marmion family, hereditary Royal Champions to the English Kings. As a result, the castle hosted many royal visits from different Kings including, Henry II, joined by Thomas à Becket, and James I. The castle then passed through a number of owners until 1751 when the Townshend family took ownership. Mr John Robins purchased the castle in 1814, though he did not gain actual possession until 1821. On his death family disputes meant the castle was sold again and ultimately came back into the Townshend family. The Castle was opened to the public in 1899, after being bought at auction by Tamworth Corporation for £3,000 from the Marquis Townshend in 1897.

The Castle was changed at various times and includes Tudor and Jacobean buildings, and a Medieval Banqueting Hall. The shell keep and fine herringbone wall, all that survives of the curtain wall, date back to the 12th Century.