Alex Ross

We visit the ruined castle at the heart of Bristol you might not even know is there

It has been given greater protection by Historic England

We all might say Castle Park - but how many of us really associate the beautiful open inner city park land featuring a dramatic bombed-out church with a medieval castle?

But if you take a look at the displays around the park, you can learn more about the stone foundations of a keep and an excavated escape route during times of a seige which are still on view today.

Yes, there may not be much left of the castle - to the naked eye, anyway - but its position is prominent in the history of our city. And now Historic England has taken a move to expand its protection of the site.

Following a reasesssment of the site, and a consultation with Bristol City Council, it’s been agreed to not only continue listing the castle as a scheduled monument, but also expand the area protected to include the eastern half of the park.

It means the area will be protected against development which could damage the remains.

Rebecca Barrett, regional director at Historic England South West, said: “This is a remarkable site in the heart of the city. We’re delighted to have worked with the City Council to review the current designations. We hope this will help to better tell the story of the castle and its role over many centuries, as well as shaping its future management and plans to revitalise the city around it.”

The castle was created in the 11th Century, before redevelopment in the 12th Century with a stone keep and defensive walls. It mostly fell into ruins by 1480, although it retained some functions such as its mint and prison. Then during the Civil War it was refortified before, in 1655, Parliament ordered its demolition.

Here’s some pictures from today and how it might have looked in medieval times:

Yes, there may not be much left of the castle - to the naked eye, anyway - but its position is prominent in the history of our city. And now Historic England has taken a move to expand its protection of the site.