How and why has Lincoln Castle changed from 1068 to the present day?

        Cobb Hall changed use in the late 17th century after another English civil war involving Oliver Cromwell.  Its use was now a prison for condemned men and women.  The castle was not needed for its original purpose any more and was made use of in other ways.  The top of Cobb Hall was demolished around this time, and Cobb Hall is still one storey smaller than it used to be when it was a defence point.  The floor of the top storey was now the roof of Cobb Hall and was used for hangings.  This changed yet again in the 18th century when the roof was used for public hangings.  

Observatory Tower

The Observatory Tower was originally built in the twelfth century as a point to be able to see from, a lookout point and a home for Ranolph of Chester.  It was built as a more secure keep than the Lucy Tower, as this was just an original shell keep.  The Observatory Tower and its motte is what makes Lincoln Castle so special.  It is the only castle with two mottes.  When the civil war ended and Ranolph felt more safe he moved back into the bailey and the Observatory Tower had little purpose other than being a lookout point.  The Observatory Tower was built in a way that is different to how a similar structure would be built today.  Firstly a tower was built from ground level and then a mound was added to form the motte.  This would have been typical of tower building at this time and it would have been quick and easy to build and would have protected Ranolph of Chester quite well.

        The Observatory Tower has changed use as well through the times.  Most of the current building was built in the 14th Century as an extension to the original structure.  In the 19th Century whilst the castle’s grounds were used as a prison the observatory tower was even further extended.  It was extended because the warden said he needed a point to keep watch of prisoners, but really he just wanted to use his telescope up there as he was a keen astronomer.  Now at the very top of the observatory tower you can see for 25 miles.  Even at the original level you can see for a long way.  The A46 is clearly visible as is the River and several other main roads.  

Observatory tower built after 19th Century

Original 12th Century tower

14th Century buildings

East Gate

The East Gate has changed extensively since it was first built in 1068.  Firstly, in 1068 it was very poorly defended.  There were no towers and no barbicans.  There was a drawbridge and no other real defences.  (See diagram below).

In the 12th century it was realised that the entrance was too weak and towers were added to prevent attackers from being successful.  

After the crusades in the holy lands, people leant that round structures were better at absorbing an impact than flat or square structures.  The gate was even further secured by the adding of Barbican towers.

When the castle yet again changed use in the 17th century, the big bulky towers became impractical for the new purpose and were taken down.  The new purpose, prison meant that prison vehicles had to be let in and out of the gates, and the barbican towers prevented this.  As a result the towers were removed, they no longer served a great defence purpose and they were getting in the way.  Remains of the towers can still be seen on the floor outside the castle, big, round brick foundations.  

The Bailey

This would have been the main part of the castle where most of the normal life within a castle would have taken place for people.  The bailey has changed extensively since the castle was built, both in structure and purpose.  When the castle was first built, there would have been houses in the bailey, along with all necessary amenities to keep people living in the castle alive and healthy.  Since then it changed to a prison courtyard and then the red brick building that was the actual prison changed use yet again to the home of the Magna Carta.