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Castle Park Heritage Part 8: Royals and the Castle

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.

Peter the Saracen firing an arrow from a castle
  • 1205 to 1211 – An ongoing dispute between John and the Pope led to a visit to Northampton Castle which resulted in the kings excommunication in the Great Hall of the castle.
  • 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
The blue Plaque for Peter the Saracen, one of the first recorded muslims in England
  • 1235 to 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

Last updated 17 October 2025