Northampton in West Northamptonshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Royals and the Castle
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 25, 2026
1. Royals and the Castle Marker
(text of marker blue plaque)
Peter the Saracen
Date of birth and death unknown
In 1205 King John employed a man called Peter the Saracen as a maker of crossbows in Northampton Castle, close to this site. The term 'Saracen' described someone of North African or Middle Eastern origin and Peter was one of the first recorded Muslims in England.
(main text:)
Royal connections:
• 1189 - Richard I presented a Charter to the town in exchange for funds for his crusades.
• Early 13th century, King John spent £300 on improving the defences including strengthening the walls and enlarging the moat.
• The royal treasury was moved to the castle in 1205, and many parliaments were also held in the castle with the last one being 1381.
• In 1205, John employed Peter the Saracen, a highly skilled Middle Eastern engineer and crossbow maker, who lived and worked in the castle.
Definition: What is a 'Saracen'? The term 'Saracen' described someone of North African or Middle Eastern origin and Peter was one of the first recorded Muslims in England.
• 1205-1211 - An ongoing dispute between John and the Pope led to a visit
this page online
• 1215 - Northampton gained its first Mayor, something which only London, York and King's Lynn had at that time.
• April 1215 - the barons revolted against John leading to an attack on Northampton Castle using trebuchets.
Definition: What is a Trebuchet? A trebuchet is a type of catapult that uses a rotating arm with a sling attached to the tip.
• June 1215 - John agreed to and signed the Magna Carta, an agreement with the barons. As part of this agreement, he surrendered a number of important castles, including Northampton.
• 1235 - Northampton market gained its charter, meaning it was allowed to run legally and regularly.
1235-1252 - Royal renovations to the castle:
• 1235 - King Henry III's great chamber was upgraded.
• 1244 - The king's chapel was built.
• 1247 - The building of Queen Eleanor's chapel, later fitted with glass windows in 1248.
• 1249 - Renovations to the king's wardrobe, the great hall and the chaplain's room.
• 1251 - The wall of the castle and the bailey were renovated.
• 1252-1253 - Alterations were made to the chapel in the tower, and stained-glass windows in the hall.
• 1252 - A separate chapel was provided for the queen, and the windows of the royal apartments were glazed with beautifully painted glass. The Sheriff of Northampton was ordered to have windows made of white glass, painted with the bible story of Dives and Lazarus. (Marker Number 8.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1215.
Location. 52° 14.258′ N, 0° 54.239′ W. Marker is in Northampton, England, in West Northamptonshire. It is on Chalk Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14 Chalk Lane, Northampton, England NN1 2RW, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, 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: Stories from the Castle (here, next to this marker); Thomas Becket (here, next to this marker); Visitors to the Castle (here, next to this marker); Hazelrigg House and the Old Black Lion (here, next to this marker); The Castle (a few steps from this marker); The Fall of the Castle Walls (a few steps from this marker); The Story of Simon de Senlis (a few steps from this marker); Earl of Northampton (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northampton.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on September 24, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
