The lost castle once a palace and a prison you would never know was there

It was also the location of a queen’s execution

Just a few miles over the Cambridgeshire border near Oundle, marks a site of major importance in Tudor history. Fotheringhay Castle is the remains of a large, medieval motte-and-bailey castle.

Although nowadays, there is very little left to see except a large mound of grass-covered earthworks – but it still remains a significant historic landmark. The castle, located north of Oundle, was likely founded around 1100 by Simon de Senlis, the Earl of Northampton.

The mound was once the site of a remarkable castle with an illustrious history. It overlooks a crossing point on the River Nene and it also acted as a royal palace and a prison from the 13th century.

Following its founding, the castle was under royal control, hosting a number of notable historic figures including King Henry III, Edward II, Richard III, and it was a favoured residence of several Dukes of York.

The castle was particularly famed as the birthplace of Richard III in 1452. Likely the most notorious Royal to spend time at the impressive castle was Mary Queen of Scots. She was the great-granddaughter of King Henry VII and first cousin once removed to Queen Elizabeth I.

She inherited the throne at just six days old when her father died. She briefly became queen consort in France before returning to Scotland. Mary had once claimed Queen Elizabeth’s throne as her own and was considered the legitimate sovereign of England by many English Catholics.

Seeing her as a threat, Queen Elizabeth I had her confined in various castles and manor houses across England. Following nearly 18 years in captivity, Mary was found guilty of plotting to assassinate Elizabeth.

On the evening of February 7, 1587, Mary was told she was to be executed the next morning. She spent the last hours of her life in prayer, distributing her belongings to her household and writing her will and a letter to the King of France.

She was beheaded on a scaffold in the Great Hall, which was draped in black cloth. It is believed that Mary was not beheaded with a single strike as the first blow missed her neck.

Her request to be buried in France was refused by Queen Elizabeth I and her body was eventually taken to Peterborough Cathedral in July 1587 for burial. However, it was later reinterred in Westminster Abbey.

During the latter part of the Elizabethan period, the castle fell into disrepair despite its importance. The castle was later dismantled and only the grass-covered earthworks and some masonry remains.