Castle Hotel, Downham Market

The black and white façade starkly contrasts with the
tapestry of flowers outside the Castle.

It's chequered past is etched within the very fabric of the
walls, and oozes history and character. The Castle used to
be a coaching Inn, where horse and coach left for
Cambridge and Ely every single day except Sundays (of
course) during the 1830's. One such company was called
the Red Rover, they departed from the Castle at 7.00pm on
it's way to London.

In 1860 the railway stepped forward as the front runner and the Castle used to send an
omnibus to the station in Downham to meet every train, (how kind I hear you say), well yes it
was. However, they stabled the horses of the train travellers and made their money that way.

The proprietor during the late 18th Century was called Thomas Harris, and when the poor
Law amendment act of 1834 decided that each town would take care of it's own poor, by
providing them with housing food and work. It was decided that the union Workhouse would
be built in Downham market. Mr Plestow was duly elected as chairman of the Union
Guardians. This particular group of people actually decided where the workhouse would be
built. However, until the building was finished Mr Harris (mine Host of the Castle) obliged
them by renting them a room for 6 months together with fuel for the fire candles and even
warm stabling for their horses, all for £10.00

The Castle has had a few proprietors over the years, some of those include: Thomas Harris
in the 18th century. He was then succeeded by his widow Mary Anne.
The early part of the 20th century John Henry Richards was in residence. Not forgetting the
current proprietors Howard and Helen, who have joined the long list of many who make their
mark in owning the Castle Hotel.

I am sure the Castle will be here for several more hundreds of years and is well worth a visit.