Framlingham Castle

Framlingham Castle, in Suffolk, is said to have been built by Raedwald between 599 and 624 AD. There are 13 towers that are built atop the huge encircling castle wall and those were erected during the late 12th or early 13th century and for over 400 years served as the residence of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk. While the only building inside the walls that is still standing is a poorhouse that was built, when the castle was at the height of its use, the inside was filled with buildings and bustling with people. It was here that Queen Mary I, daughter of Henry VIII rallied her supporters before she took the throne in 1553.

The building that is still standing, was turned into a poorhouse in the 1600's and 1700's and was in use for over 200 years.

Giant lawn chess set on the grounds

It was awesome to be able to walk up on the battlements and walk all around the castle wall.

During the Tudor time, the Howard's lived in the castle and to compete with the grandeur the Tudor's were known for, the Howard's had elaborate chimney's built atop the towers. Only 2 or 3 were actually connected to the fireplaces...all the others were purely decorative.