The castle’s keep leans at a 17-degree angle due to the mining of the sandstone cliff beneath it during the English Civil War.
Robert de Belleme, the original builder, was an advisor to King Henry I before rebelling against him.
It was held by King John in 1216 during his campaign against rebellious barons.
The interior of the keep was largely gutted by fire during the 1646 siege, leaving only the shell standing.
The site sits on the edge of a sheer cliff overlooking the Severn Valley, historically providing an immense tactical advantage.
Bridgnorth Castle is distinctive for its significantly leaning tower, which tilts at an angle of 17 degrees, nearly three times more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built by Robert de Belleme in 1101, the fortress served as a royal castle during the medieval period. The site was largely dismantled following a siege by Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War in 1646. Today, the ruins are integrated into the Castle Gardens, which provide panoramic views over the River Severn and the Low Town area. The grounds are maintained as public gardens featuring ornamental flower beds and mature trees. The site remains a focal point of the High Town of Bridgnorth, perched atop a sandstone cliff. Visitors can explore the remnants of the defensive walls and the main keep’s foundation.
The lower pathway looking up at the keep to capture the dramatic angle of the leaning ruins.
Walk the full perimeter of the castle grounds to see the contrast between the leaning tower and the flat surrounding gardens.
Visit the adjacent Northgate Museum if you want to see historical artifacts related to the castle's construction.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear, as the paths around the castle ruins are on uneven, sloping ground.
Do not attempt to climb or lean on the precarious remains of the tower walls.
The gardens are generally open daily, but may close during periods of extreme high winds or severe weather for safety.
