Castle Park Heritage Part 9: Stories from the Castle
The first battle of Northampton took place at the castle in 1264. After strong resistance, the castle was seized by King Henry III when Simon de Montfort and 12 other barons and 60 knights were taken prisoner.
In 1318, John Powderham claimed to be the lost or kidnapped King Edward II. The imposter was tried for encouraging people to rebel against the state and was hung alongside his cat in Northampton.
Also in 1318, there was a terrible fire at the castle which destroyed much of the royal apartments. This marked the end of the castle as an important royal centre.
Anne Palmer, known as a Lollard, lived a secluded life in a house next to St Peter's Church. She was arrested in 1393 for her religious opinions that were opposed to the beliefs of the church. She was imprisoned alongside other critics in the gaol (Jail) at Northampton Castle.
A Lollard is a critic of the church.
In 1460, King Henry VI slept at the castle before the second Battle of Northampton in the War of the Roses, which took place just south of Delapre Abbey. Henry VI, who was on the Lancastrian side, was defeated by the Yorkists and taken prisoner. He was held overnight in Northampton Castle.
Queen Elizabeth I made her first progress through the country in 1563, stopping at Northampton.
Last updated 17 October 2025