The tiny Cambridgeshire hamlet with an unfinished castle

You can only see earthworks of the former castle today

There was once a time when several castles stood across Cambridgeshire. Unfortunately, over time they have been reduced to mounds or scarce remains, but their historic tales live on. In the small hamlet of Rampton, there was once hope of a castle being built, but it was never completed.

Known as Giant’s Hill, it’s believed construction began during a civil war known as the Anarchy, which lasted between 1138 and 1153. The conflict started after the accidental death of William Adelin, who was the only legitimate son of Henry I.

Following Henry’s death in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois seized the throne with the help of his brother Henry of Blois. A civil war began between Stephen of Blois and his cousin Empress Matilda, Henry I’s daughter, who was supposed to take the throne.

During this civil war, a number of castles, were built across the east of England in order to contain Geoffrey de Mandeville, a rebel earl and famous figure of the civil war. De Mandeville was shot dead with a crossbow at nearby Burwell Castle, which was also being built at the time. Just like Giant’s Hill, Burwell Castle was never completed.

Today, you can see the earthworks of the former castle. People can see a low and flat-topped rectangular earthwork and spoil banks of the unfinished 12th century motte castle. There is also a water-filled moat, entrance ramp and interactive board that show visitors what it would have once looked like.

Rampton today is described as a “thriving community” by Rampton Parish Council. There are round 400 people that live in the small hamlet which is around six miles from Cambridge. Over the year, the community comes together for many events including its summer fayre and a horse show.

Rampton is home to The Black Horse Pub, which Camra says is a “cosy” pub with a “large beer garden”. It has been serving locals since 1851.