Fotheringhay Castle Archaeological Site
Ruined English castle where Mary, Queen of Scots executed
Ruined medieval castle beside the River Nene in Northamptonshire, known as the execution site of Mary, Queen of Scots. Visitors come for the motte, curtain remains and riverside walks that foreground Tudor history.
Fotheringhay Castle at a Glance#
Address: Fotheringhay Castle ruins, Fotheringhay, Peterborough (near Northamptonshire border), England, UK
Hours: Site open daylight hours
Admission: Free (ruins); parking or local museum admission may apply
About Fotheringhay Castle#
Fotheringhay Castle was a medieval fortified manor in the village of Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire, England, notable for its connections with the Yorkist dynasty and later Tudor history. The castle is chiefly remembered as the site of the trial and execution of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1587.
Today the castle survives only as earthworks, a motte and the low remains of masonry that mark the former layout; the site is visited for its historical associations rather than standing architecture. It served as a noble residence and stronghold in the medieval period and later fell into disuse and deliberate demolition.
Originally constructed in the medieval period, the castle was a seat for prominent noble families and played roles in dynastic and royal events across the 14th to 16th centuries. After the Tudor period it was dismantled and much of the stone was repurposed elsewhere, leaving the earthworks visible today.
The ruins lie beside the village of Fotheringhay, beside the River Nene in Northamptonshire, within easy reach of nearby market towns.
- Ruined remains: Site is primarily ruins and earthworks rather than intact buildings, so interpretation focuses on the footprint and historical events that occurred there.
- Historic execution site: Best known as the place where Mary, Queen of Scots was tried and executed in 1587, a key event in late Tudor history.
What to See#
- Motte and earthworks: Surviving earthworks and masonry footings that mark the castle’s former motte-and-bailey layout, visible as grassy banks and low stone remnants in the village.
How to Get to Fotheringhay Castle#
Drive or take regional buses from Peterborough; the village is small and the castle mound is a short walk from the village centre. Parking available on nearby roads.
Tips for Visiting Fotheringhay Castle#
- Arrive in the late afternoon to see the castle mound lit with long evening light-photography is excellent then.
- Bring stout shoes; paths around the motte are uneven and can be steep in places.
- Check opening times for the adjacent visitor information and local church; many small English heritage centers close midweek off-season.
Best Time to Visit Fotheringhay Castle#
Best visited April-October for walking and better light; late afternoon favours photography.
Weather & Climate near Fotheringhay Castle#
Fotheringhay Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (590 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 7° | 4° | 54 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 40 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.7h |
| March | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 3° | 44 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 43 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 47 mm | overcast | 80% | 4.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 54 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 45 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 12° - 21° | 16° | 56 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 51 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 48 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 53 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 55 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
