Framlingham Castle is a late 12th century moated fortress with an impressive continuous curtain wall linked by 13 towers. For four centuries it was the seat of power for successive generations of Earls and Dukes of Norfolk. Its ownership later passed to Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII.

It is best known for the part it played in a 16th century royal succession drama when it became the rallying point for supporters of the catholic Princess Mary. The stronghold helped deter a protestant coup, led by the Duke of Northumberland, to install Lady Jane Grey as queen after the death of Edward VI. Mary was entrenched at Framlingham in 1553 when she received the news that she had acceded to the English Crown.