Odiham Castle

King John (the brother and successor to King Richard the Lionheart) built this castle between 1207-1214 as a stronghold, though it's primary use was as a hunting lodge. It was originally defended by a series of deep moats which have long gone and now the castle ruins lie just off the Basingstoke Canal which cuts through the original castle bailey.

It became home and at one point a prison to a number of royals before reverting back to a hunting lodge in the 15th century. However by 1605 it was considered a ruin until it was preserved by Hampshire County Council in 2007.

Today it makes for an interesting  stop on a walk along the Basingstoke Canal. A number of panels around the site give its history, including this one which attempts to show how the castle may have once looked as an overlay - I couldn't get the perspective to work!