Fotheringhay Castle is an imposing Norman stone motte and bailey fortress, founded by Simon de Senlis. The large motte is partly encased by a wide wet ditch and supports the foundations of a D-shaped polygonal donjon. Inside the inner bailey rampart and ditch, are the covered foundations of a great hall and domestic ranges. A large ditched outer bailey, once guarded by a gatehouse and a lake, curves northwards from the bridge to the mill stream. Sadly this once imposing edifice, famous as the birthplace of King Richard III in 1452 and the trial and execution of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1587, has been completely demolished. 12 miles east at Peterborough is Tout Hill and 14 miles west is Rockingham Castle.