Tamworth Castle

Submitted by Alan Marsden on Tue, 26/05/2026 - 00:00

Tamworth Castle in Staffordshire retains its Norman keep set upon its steep motte, but its history is older still. Here, Offa, King of Mercia, built a palace. During the Danish invasions of the 800s-900s it was rebuilt by Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians and daughter of great Alfred, who made it an earthen burh (from where we get the word ‘borough’). All of this fighting and warring from the mid-medieval period seems to be a far cry from the current castle, which is surrounded by lovely parkland and pleasant shops, with giddy school children sitting in its rooms learning their history. The Norman invaders put their own stamp of authority upon Tamworth’s fortified hill, and no-one has since removed it. Even their curious herringbone walls have survived.

As I circumnavigated the keep, I espied the old postern gate, since filled in. This was a narrow, concealed doorway from which inhabitants could discreetly escape or from which a stealthy sortie could take attackers by surprise. On the other hand, it also offered an opportunity for anyone outside to get in, so its existence also carried risk.

Unlike Tamworth’s keep, there is only one door to heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ. There are no alternative routes, short cuts or diversions. Yet some enter Him with a fanfare and much acclamation, and others rather more discreetly, slipping in unnoticed by spectators. We shall be surprised by who is in heaven when we get there, but this must not become an excuse or justification for keeping silent now. A faith worth having is a faith worth sharing.