Castle Quest - Reply to Topic

Forum:	Individual Castles
Topic:	Marlborough Castle?

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T O P I C R E V I E W
Steve-O-Gerst Was there any sort of fortified structure in Marlborough around the 1320s?
Paul If you mean Marlborough in Wiltshire, England then the answer is yes.
There are remains of a large motte in the grounds of Marlborough college.
Probably built during the reign of King Stephen (1135-54).
Henry II (1154-89) added stone buildings.
Still garrisoned in the mid 14th century but in ruins by the 15th century.
It is closed to the public.
Steve-O-Gerst Thanks, yes. I've just discovered that is the one. Turns out there's some great web pages I could have found, such as this one:
http://homepage.mac.com/philipdavis/English%20sites/3643.html
Seems there's nothing at all left of the castle itslef. Round about the time I' interested in it would have had a mound, at least one tower, and a curtain wall. Apparently it would have been given to the queen as a "Dower House." Any idea what a "Dower House" was? Like did the queen go there to get away from the Mr. when he was a boor, or did the new king stuff the old dead king's wife there?
Paul A dower house is usually a moderately large house on an estate which is occupied by the widow of the late owner. The widow, often known as the "dowager" usually moves into the dower house, from the larger family house, on the death of her husband, the new heir occupies the now vacated principal house.
In the case of the British royal family there is a dower house in London as well as the country. Well known royal dower houses in London have been Clarence House, Marlborough House, and for a brief period Buckingham Palace then known as Buckingham house.

Paul.
Steve-O-Gerst So... It would actually be for the "Former" queen, and not the current king's wife, right?
So like in 1273, when Edward I was king, he gave Marlborough to his mummy Eleanor of Province... and she got to stay there till she died?
OR when Edward I died, and Edward II took the throne in 1307, did he give Marlborough to his mom, Margaret of France, and if so, did Eleanor get the boot, or did they just share the dower house, or... Maybe this would be better for the "Daily Life in a castle" forum...
Then of course, Edward III took the throne in 1327, but she made a big stir back in the day, so we know she didn't spend a lot of time in the Marlborough Dower House...