Hertford Castle, a Grade I listed building, started off in the Norman period as a motte and bailey castle and spread in time to become a royal fortress. The castle was beseiged in 1216 by Louis, Dauphin of France and has seen a lot of use by various monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth I. Much of the castle has gone leaving behind the gatehouse which was rebuilt and enlarged, the motte, and the 12th Century curtain wall partially encompassing the grounds. The castle is now the home of Hertford Town Council.
