SHERBORNE OLD AND NEW CASTLES

Dorset

Sherborne Old Castle

The handsome town of Sherborne possesses no less than two superb Castles.  The first, the so-called "Old" Castle was built by the Bishop of Salisbury, Roger de Caen sometime early in the 1100s.  The Bishop backed Queen Matilda during the Anarchy and subsequently lost the Castle when King Stephen emerged triumphant.  The Castle then stayed in Royal hands until 1354 when it was granted to the Earl of Salisbury.  Bishop Wyville was incensed and announced he would take the Earl on in combat if necessary.  For a small price the Bishop was allowed to buy the Castle back.

In 1592 the Castle was leased to Sir Walter Raleigh who began to make it more comfortable before changing his mind and beginning work on what would become the "New" Castle.

Sherborne New Castle

Sir Walter Raleigh started the "New" Castle in 1594, and called it 'The Lodge'.  It was a much smaller building than the one we see today.  In 1618 Sir Walter was executed by James I and the property given to Sir John Digby.  He retired to his country estate in 1624 and began to enlarge 'The Lodge'.  It was he who had the two side wings built, and altered the buildings look (and name) to it's vaguely Castle-like outline of today.

It wasn't very many years later that the Civil War arrived in Dorset.  Sherborne Old Castle was garrisoned for the King and besieged twice.  The first time in 1642, the second in 1645 when the walls were battered down before Sir Lewis Dives surrendered the Castle, after which it was slighted.  The Roundheads seem to have all but ignored the New Castle, and just for a change didn't ruin it, so that what we are left today is a beautifully preserved Jacobean house both inside and out.

The Old Castle is owned by English Heritage and open all year.
The New Castle is privately owned, but is open to the public during the Summer.

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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2002