Bourne Castle
(timeline)
From Baldwin FitzGilbert de Clare to the Wakes and beyond, we follow the castle's timeline. We begin with the pre 1066 era and travel all the way to the present day.
1071 - 1130
The Norman Period
The founding of an early version of Bourne castle may have been soon after the year 1071 under the land owner, Oger the Breton. This castle may have been a ringwork castle. He would have been succeeded by his son Ralf. It then passed into Norman hands, possibly Hugh de Evermue (although the de Evermue's may have only been tenant-in-chiefs at Deeping), followed by William de Rullos.
1130 - 1154
The de Clare
Baldwin FitzGilbert de Clare succeeded de Rullos in 1130 through the rights of his wife, Adelina. Baldwin gave the rallying speech for King Stephen in the first Battle of Lincoln (1141). They were both captured but were later released. The castle may have transitioned in this period from a ringwork to a motte and bailey.
1154 - 1349
The Wakes
When Baldwin had been captured in 1141, the deal for his release had been for Hugh le Wac (Wake) to marry his daughter, Emma FitzBaldwin. The Wakes would prosper for 196 years, possibly transforming the motte and bailey into a stone castle which is described in Peak's MS as being square with four towers and a trim walk upon its roof. There was also a drawbridge to cross over the very fresh deep moat.
1349 - 1439
The Hollands
It is quite possible during the ownership of the Hollands that the castle went through another transition. The stone donjon (keep) may have been carefully taken down to make way for a manor house on the eastern side of the little moat (This is currently still under research and investigation). Thomas Holland and his wife, also his son Edmund, are all buried at Bourne Abbey.
1439 - 1509
The Beauforts
After the death of Margaret Holland in 1439 the manor and its castle grounds had been succeeded by her son, John Beaufort who died in 1444. His daughter, Margaret Beaufort, was made the ward of William de la Pole, and later, Edmund and Jasper Tudor. At 13 her second husband was dead and she was pregnant with the future King, Henry VII. She lived at Bourne castle for 5 years between 1458 and 1463 with her third husband, Henry Stafford.
1509 - 1536
The Tudors
In 1509 the manor returned to the crown (Henry VIII). In 1525 Henry proclaimed his illegitimate son, Henry FitzRoy, the Duke of Richmond, bestowing many titles upon him. In his honour, Henry FitzRoy recieved many lands including the manor of Bourne. Sadly, the young prince died at the age of 17 in 1536.
1536 - 1959
The Cecils/ The Exeters
William Heckington had been the tenant in chief of the manor in Bourne during the beginning of the 16th century. The manor would pass from the Heckington's to the Cecils, who would be known later as the Exeters, through the marriage of his daughter, Jane. The manor would remain in the hands of the Cecils for over 400 years. The most famous of all the Cecils had been Elizabeth I's Lord Treasurer, William Cecil.