Oakham in Rutland, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Oakham Castle

Photographed by Stephen Palmer, October 19, 2025

1. Oakham Castle Marker

Inscription.
Down this narrow lane is England's most complete surviving Norman Hall. Take a step back in time, through the ancient gateway, to explore Oakham Castle.
Discover the splendid Great Hall, built by Baron Walkelin de Ferrers around 1180. The Hall is still used as a Court every two years. Uncover true tales of crime and punishment from the Castle's long history as Rutland's centre of justice.

Why is there a Castle in Oakham?
In 1066 William the Conqueror invaded England, and began to stamp his authority on the land. By around 1150 Oakham Castle was a power base for Norman barons to control the local population.
Over the following turbulent centuries Oakham Castle was strengthened, and by 1340 was defended by stone walls and a moat. The arched gateway you see ahead is where the drawbridge once stood. From the Great Hall the Lord of the Manor of Oakham ruled his lands, saw justice done, and held feasts and entertainments.

Discover more…
Step inside the Great Hall to see the enormous collection of extraordinary horseshoes presented by royalty and nobility for over 500 years.
Oakham is recorded in the Domesday Book

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of 1086. The name probably means Occa's homestead.

Erected by Rutland County Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1180.

Location. 52° 40.217′ N, 0° 43.649′ W. Marker is in Oakham, England, in Rutland. It is on Market Place, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located on the side wall of the Caffe Nero. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17 Market Place, Oakham, England LE15 6DT, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in England’s Midlands.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 16 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ancient Customs (within shouting distance of this marker); Conquest & Castles (within shouting distance of this marker); Fit for a King (within shouting distance of this

Photographed by Stephen Palmer, October 19, 2025

2. Oakham Castle Marker

marker); Deer, Cattle, and Horses (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Friends Meeting House - Oakham (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Hudson's Cottage (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); King Street (approx. 15 kilometers away); The Medieval Garden King Street (approx. 15 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakham.

The Norman Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Stephen Palmer, October 19, 2025

3. The Norman Hall

Oakham Castle (Norman Hall) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Frith & Co., circa 1910

4. Oakham Castle (Norman Hall)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2025, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 19, 2025, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England. 4. submitted on October 19, 2025. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.