Goodrich Castle, Goodrich, Ross on Wye (Hereford)

Bring history to life with a day out at Goodrich Castle - explore the keep and maze of rooms then climb the battlements.

Summary

13th century buildings (or older)
Information provided
Audio guide
Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Food and Drinks

Tea Room

Introduction

Bring history to life with a day out at Goodrich Castle - explore the 12th century keep, 13th century chapel and maze of rooms guided by the fascinating audio tour, then climb the battlements for wonderful views and see the famous 'roaring meg' - the mortar that destroyed the castle.

History to the present day

Goodrich stands majestically on a wooded hill commanding the passage of the River Wye into the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat. The castle was begun in the late 11th century, by the English thegn Godric who gave it his name.

A generation later the splendidly preserved square keep which still forms its core was added, probably in the time of Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare, Earl of Pembroke and Lord of Goodrich 1148-76.

Under King John, Goodrich was granted along with the earldom of Pembroke to the famous William Marshal, a great castle builder who may have initiated work on the inner ward. Each of the Marshal's four sons inherited the fortress in turn, the last dying childless at Goodrich in 1245.

Thereafter the fortress and earldom passed to Henry III's half-brother,William de Valence, who rebuilt its defences and living quarters in the most up-to-date style.

Goodrich still boasts one of the most complete sets of medieval domestic buildings surviving in any English castle. William's widow Countess Joan frequently stayed here with an entourage of up to 200, entertaining her relations and friends in the most lavish style.

During the Civil War, Goodrich was held successively by both sides. Sir Henry Lingen's Royalists eventually surrendered in 1646 under threats of undermining and a deadly Parliamentarian mortar. The famous 'Roaring Meg', the only surviving Civil War mortar, has returned to the castle after over 350 years. The visitor centre features a small exhibition which explores life at the castle from its origins in the late 11th century until its dramatic fall in 1646, and includes Civil War artefacts found at the site.

Food and Drinks

A new café (run by English Heritage) is open from March – October and at weekends from November – February. With indoor and outdoor seating, it offers a range of homemade soups, sandwiches, flatbreads and cakes as well as hot and cold drinks.

Other facilities

Toilets: Adapted WCs in car park with level access.

Access to castle: Many steps to the court yard and Great Hall. Upper floors reached via steep stairs, some spiralled; access to chapel via one step. The castle has many uneven steps and narrow doorways.

Grounds: Accessed via steps, gravel or paved paths.

Parking: 330m from entrance. To avoid slopes and steps, park near the refreshments area. Path to the castle can be muddy in places. Disabled visitors may take their cars along the driveway (marked no entry) to within 15m of castle entrance on rough, bumpy track, closing the gate after them. (Please notify custodian in advance if possible. Please note that there is no turning place at the castle entrance).

Visually Impaired Visitors: Special audio tour included in admission price.

Hearing Impaired Visitors: Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Goodrich Castle, Hereford, , United Kingdom

Directions: 5 miles South of Ross-on-Wye off A40.

Bus Access: Stagecoach in Wye & Dean 34 Monmouth Ross-on-Wye (withconnection from Gloucester) to within 1⁄2 mile.

Parking charge £1 (400 metres from castle).

Disabled access (limited, please ask at visitor centre on arrival).

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010

1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Sep-1 Nov 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-28 Feb 10am-4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Mar 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed.

Price:

Adult: £5.20

Children: £2.60

Concession: £4.40

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library.

More photos of Goodrich Castle, Goodrich, Ross on Wye

The castle as it might have appeared when newly completed at the end of the 13th century.