Don't you find that in a situation like this you just HAVE to walk along the little cobbled lane to the gate to see what's inside?. So did we.

This is all that remains of the fortified manor house known as Oakham Castle and was the original Great Hall of the house. It is, however, very old and dates from 1180-90 being the earliest hall of any English 'castle' to survive in such a complete state.

If you want to see inside then you should be aware that it is not open every day (we were unlucky) but entry is free.

This view is from the top of the earthen ramparts which surrounded the house and shows it's position relative to the church. Although it doesn't look as we expect a traditional castle to look it did, however, have many of the features of such a castle such as a curtain wall, a gatehouse and a drawbridge with iron chains.