Bolingbroke Castle

Henry IV of Lancaster, KING of England and Lord of Ireland was born in  Bolingbroke Castle, Lincolnshire, England in 1366.  His father was John of Gaunt. 

Bolingbroke castle built about 1220 and demolished in 1652.  Henry IV was known as Henry of Bolingbroke.  I especially enjoy this story considering I grew up in Bolingbrook, IL.

The Castle itself was built with a huge moat about 102 feet wide.  There were 5 towers. Its main defense was the thick walls.   By the 15 and 16^th century it fell into disrepair and the towers were effectively beyond repair.  In 1643 it was badly damaged  during the Battle of Winceby. In 1652 it was decided that it could no longer be used and they tore it down. They knocked the towers and tall walls into the large moat.  In 1960-1970 the area was excavated and made a national monument.  The lower walls are still visible.