Guildford in Surrey, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Castle Keep
Photographed by Stephen Palmer, November 18, 2025
1. The Castle Keep Marker
Guildford Castle was probably founded by William the Conqueror soon after 1066, as one of a series built in major towns. The mound or "motte" was made by piling up chalk dug from a deep ditch around it. Another ditch and bank enclosed the outer area called the "bailey" where the domestic buildings stood. The early timber buildings were replaced with stone during the 12 century. First a ‘shell-keep’ of chalk was built around the top of the motte. Then, in the 1130s or ‘40s, the great tower, or keep, was built in two phases. The line of the first-phase battlements are marked out in the plaster. The first phase was probably built as the king's private apartments, reached by an outside staircase. Not long after the tower was built a second floor was added. The great tower could have been used for defence if the castle was attacked, but it was also a symbol of the king's importance.
Guildford Castle was the only royal castle in Surrey and became the headquarters of the sheriff the king's deputy in the county. He held trials for serious crimes, and prisoners were held in the keep, which was the county gaol for Surrey and Sussex.
this page online
Henry III developed the castle into one of the most luxurious royal palaces in England. After his death in 1272 the buildings fell into ruins and were later abandoned, except for the great tower which continued as the county gaol. In the early 16th century the gaol closed and the tower was used by the Daborne family, who put in the brick window surrounds and fireplaces. In 1611 James I sold the castle estate to Francis Carter. He, or his son, built a new house attached to the Castle Arch. The great tower was then abandoned and the roof taken off. The castle was bought by Guildford Borough Council in 1885 and the grounds were laid out as a public park. Conservation work in 2004 saw a new roof and floors put in.
Erected by GuildfordBorough.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1130.
Location. 51° 14.058′ N, 0° 34.352′ W. Marker is in Guildford, England, in Surrey. It can be reached from Castle Street. The marker is on the door at the base of The Keep. Touch for map. Marker is at or near
Photographed by Stephen Palmer, November 18, 2025
2. The Castle Keep Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. 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 walking distance of this marker: The Bowling Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Peak (1831-1914) (within shouting distance of this marker); Quarry Street/Rosemary Alley (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Tunsgate Arch (about 150 meters away); St. Mary's Church (about 150 meters away); Medieval Synagogue (about 180 meters away); The Star Inn History (about 180 meters away); Guildhall (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guildford.
Photographed by Stephen Palmer, November 18, 2025
3. The Castle Keep
circa 1920
4. Guildford, Castle Grounds
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2025, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 18, 2025, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England. 4. submitted on November 18, 2025. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
