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Berkhamsted can trace its origins to Saxon times when there was an important fort here guarding one of the principal routes through the Chilterns. It was to Berkhamsted that William, Duke of Normandy came in 1066 after defeating Harold at Hastings and where he was offered the English Crown by Archbishop Ealdred and various noblemen before proceeding to London. William granted the Manor and Honour of Berkhamsted to his half-brother, Robert, Count of Mortain who built a typical Norman motte and bailey castle including an earthen mound surrounded by a defensive enclosure. The earliest stone buildings appeared in the mid-12th century when the castle was rebuilt. The most notable event in the castle's history occurred in 1216 when it was besieged by Prince Louis of France. Castles of this type fell out of favour at the end of the 15th century and Berkhamsted was abandoned in 1495. Although much of the stone was plundered in subsequent centuries, the ruin has always been a significant feature of the town and is now in the care of English Heritage. For more information seeLink