Leicester castle was originally built just after the Norman Conquest in about 1070. The castle was a motte and bailey, the motte still survives. The castle was partially demolished in 1173 after a failed rebellion against King Henry II. However, it later became a royal residence for both Edward I and II.
By the 15th century the castle was used as a courthouse, and even hosted sessions of Parliament such as the Parliament of Bats in 1426 which was hosted in the castle's great hall. The castle continued to be used for hearings of the county court until 1981.
The surviving parts of the castle today include the motte, the great hall and the magazine gateway.
