Geograph - photograph every grid square

The large mound in the centre of town is what remains of the 12th century fortifications, and within it is the 12th century hall still called 'Oakham Castle'.

Once called the Shire Hall, this building dates from 1190 and is in something like original condition, with round headed arches and dog-tooth carving. It was re-roofed in the 17th century and again in the 19th, although at least two original roof beams have been identified.

The hall, was built by Walchelin de Ferrers at the end of the 12th century. Its architectural details point to a period within the ten years between 1190 and 1200; Ferrers died in 1201.

The Hall has long been used as courtroom, a duty it still serves to this day. But its most famous feature are the "horseshoes" displayed around the walls, relics of a long tradition that any Peer of the Realm passing through the county has to pay a fee in the form of a horseshoe. (It is my personal view that this originated as a way of disabling unexpected military visitors)

The building is, unsurprisingly, a grade I listed structure

See the Victoria County History (Link ) and the Historic England list entry (Link )

Grade I listed

The church has a western tower, nave with north and south aisles and clerestory, transepts, chancel with north and south chapels and south porch.
The church was built on the site of an earlier structure, the font being from around 1180.
The south doorway and porch are the oldest part of the church, dating from the late thirteenth century.

The western tower is from the fourteenth century in the Decorated style, with the aisles continuing either side. The tower has curiously off centred Bell openings. The weathercock is from the early seventeenth century.
The nave is of five bays, and the capitals are carved with figures, a green man, foliage, and biblical scenes. There are also figures carved on the chancel arch. The aisles are of the late thirteenth century.

The Lady Chapel dates from around 1480, and the North Chapel was rebuilt in the second half of the fourteenth century.

The chancel has a 19th-century wooden roof which is stencilled and gilded. There is a carved alabaster reredos.

The church was restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1858, and the east window was rebuilt.

The church has a new organ from 1996.
The west end of the aisles has been converted into a kitchen, toilet and office.