Bigod Castle, Bungay
Sightseeing attraction | Bungay | England | United Kingdom
The "Bigod Castle" in Bungay, England, is a historic castle ruin that played a significant role in the medieval history of the region and today attracts visitors as a fascinating tourist attraction. This castle, also simply known as Bungay Castle, is located in the small market town of Bungay in the county of Suffolk, strategically situated on a loop of the River Waveney. Built in the 12th century by the powerful Norman Bigod family, it is an impressive testament to England's turbulent past and the power struggles between nobility and the crown. Today, the castle is managed by the Bungay Castle Trust and is a Grade I listed building, emphasizing its historical and architectural significance.
The history of Bigod Castle begins around 1100 when Roger Bigod, a Norman knight, received land from King Henry I as a reward for his support during the conquest of England in 1066. Roger initially built a motte-and-bailey castle of wood and earth, utilizing the natural defense of the river. His son Hugh Bigod, who inherited the family estates in 1120, became a central figure in the Anarchy, a civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. Hugh used Bungay as a power base and rebelled against King Stephen in 1136 by capturing the royal castle of Norwich. Stephen attempted to secure his loyalty by appointing him Earl of Norfolk, but Hugh remained restless. In 1154, King Henry II confiscated the castle due to Hugh's questionable loyalty, but returned it in 1164. Hugh then had a massive rectangular Norman stone keep built between 1165 and 1173, with walls five to seven meters thick and over 33 meters high – a symbol of his power and defiance.
Hugh's rebellions continued, and during the revolt of 1173–1174, he once again opposed Henry II. Royal troops besieged Bungay, undermined the walls, and partially destroyed the keep after Hugh was forced to surrender. He saved the castle from complete destruction by paying a fine of 1,000 marks before embarking on a crusade to Syria, where he died in 1177 or 1178. The lands were later returned to the Bigods under Richard I, but the family focused more on Framlingham Castle, leading to Bungay being neglected. In 1294, Roger Bigod, the 5th Earl of Norfolk, rebuilt the castle and added the distinctive twin-towered gatehouses and a high curtain wall. After his death in 1306 without heirs, the castle fell to the crown and gradually decayed, described as "old and ruinous" by 1382.
In 1483, Bigod Castle passed into the possession of the Dukes of Norfolk, who held it until the 20th century, with brief interruptions. In the 18th century, the ruin was partly used as a quarry, and the keep and parts of the walls were dismantled for road construction. Restoration work began in 1934 under the direction of amateur archaeologist Leonard Cane, who, as Town Reeve of Bungay, recognized the site's importance. These efforts uncovered hidden structures and saved the remains from further decay. In 1987, the 17th Duke of Norfolk gifted the castle to the town of Bungay, and the Bungay Castle Trust took over management to preserve the heritage.
The present remains of Bigod Castle are impressive, even though they only show a fraction of the former grandeur. The massive twin-towered gatehouses, nearly fully preserved in height, dominate the ruin and attest to the fortification of the site. The curtain wall and fragments of the keep are also visible, as well as a mine tunnel dug during the 1174 siege and now exposed. The interior, once the heart of the castle, is now a grassy area with beautiful views over the Waveney Valley. Despite its ruined state, the remains give an impression of the former splendor and significance of the site, praised by Hugh Bigod himself as impregnable.
The surroundings of Bigod Castle add a special touch to its atmosphere. It is hidden behind modern buildings and shops, making it a surprising find in the midst of the town. A narrow path leads to the ruin, surrounded by a former moat now crossed by a small bridge. The proximity to the River Waveney and the elevated location provide a picturesque backdrop, emphasizing the strategic choice of the site. Visitors can explore the ruin and be transported back to a time when the Bigods exerted their power here.
Bigod Castle is more than just a historical relic – it is a place that tells stories of power, rebellion, and change. For visitors, it offers an opportunity to experience England's medieval past and understand the role of the Bigod family in the history of East Anglia. It may not be as large or well-known as other castles, but it is precisely this modesty, combined with its eventful history, that makes it a special destination. Those who visit Bungay will find in Bigod Castle a hidden gem that captures the rugged beauty and complex past of the region impressively.
