The castle was besieged by King Louis VIII of France in 1216 during the First Barons' War.
Henry of Blois, who commissioned the keep, was the brother of King Stephen of England.
The keep is a 'shell keep,' meaning it consists of a thick circular curtain wall rather than a traditional solid tower structure.
The castle was largely 'slighted' or intentionally damaged by Parliamentarian forces following the English Civil War to prevent further military use.
The site remained the official residence of the Bishop of Winchester until 1927.
Farnham Castle Keep is a 12th-century motte-and-bailey fortress built by Henry of Blois, the grandson of William the Conqueror. The site served as the administrative headquarters for the Bishops of Winchester for over 800 years. Visitors can ascend the stone stairs to the shell keep, which offers panoramic views over the town of Farnham and the surrounding Surrey countryside. The property features a large grassy mound and the remnants of the defensive curtain walls. It is currently managed by English Heritage. The site acts as a key example of a Bishop's palace evolving into a high-status residence during the medieval period.
The elevated walkway at the top of the keep, looking out over the red-tiled roofs of Farnham town.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear as the paths leading up the grassy motte can be uneven and slippery.
Check the English Heritage website before traveling, as access to the keep is sometimes restricted during private events at the neighboring castle buildings.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassed area within the keep's defensive walls.
Trying to access the private parts of the Farnham Castle hotel and conference center, which occupies the adjacent grounds.
Operates on seasonal hours with limited opening days during winter months; check the English Heritage website for current accessibility status.
Respect the historical masonry; do not climb on the ruins or stone walls.
