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John O’Gaunt’s Cellar

  • John of Gaunt was the third surviving son of King Edward III.
  • The presence of 18th century graffiti on the walls does suggest that it was used as a prison during the Napoleonic Wars.
  • In medieval households, wine was only served to those on tables at the high end of the hall. Hence it was usually stored in a cellar behind or close to the high table.

John of Gaunt

John of Gaunt was the third surviving son of King Edward III. He was one of the wealthiest noblemen in England and inherited Leicester Castle in 1361. It was his preferred home and he died there in 1399. The developments and improvements to Leicester Castle made it one of the grandest in the country. The great poet Geoffrey Chaucer was a frequent visitor. King Richard II and his Queen were also known to have been entertained in the Great Hall. 

The Cellar

The space known as John O’Gaunt’s Cellar is a room at the south end of the Great Hall. Although the room has always been called John O’Gaunt’s Cellar, it was probably not built until after his death. The Great Hall was built in the mid 1100s but the cellar was probably started in the early 1400s. Myths about the room include it was originally a medieval dungeon. The presence of 18th century graffiti on the walls does however suggest it was used as a prison during the Napoleonic Wars. 

IMG_2211gallery.jpg
Markings on the cellar wall

Near To The High Table 

A study in 1992-3 confirmed that the cellar was built in two phases. In the second phase, it was made bigger and two towers were added, one with a spiral staircase. Although it is not known for sure, the room may have been built as a wine cellar. In medieval households, wine was only served to those on tables at the high end of the hall. Hence it was usually stored in a cellar behind or close to the high table. 

Timeline
Medieval Leicester
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Gallery

Steps leading down to the cellar - Leicester City Council
Steps leading down to the cellar
Leicester City Council
The Great Hall at Leicester Castle - Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
The Great Hall at Leicester Castle
Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
Markings on the cellar wall - James Thompson, An Account of Leicester Castle, 1859
Markings on the cellar wall
James Thompson, An Account of Leicester Castle, 1859
Leicester Castle in the 14th Century - James Thompson, An Account of Leicester Castle, 1859
Leicester Castle in the 14th Century
James Thompson, An Account of Leicester Castle, 1859

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

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