European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 16, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                X m part of the Centra keep is Ait that remains of Orford Castle which was built for defense not comfortable living. Continued from Page 11 a. A a a a East Walls Are some remnants of a Hall of the earlier Castle. V1 in addition remains of the Castle s great Hall against the West Wall either lie beneath or have been incorporated in the picturesque poorhouse built by Pembroke College of Cambridge when if 1 was owner of the Castle in the  of the. A 17th Century a a a a Avex. A a visitors can reach the top of the Walls by. Dimming a spiral staircase. However the climb is not easy and the stairs Are Harrow the pedestrian traffic flow is in one direction. Once a you reach the top of the stairs you must follow the entire Rampart walk before finding your Way Back Down. A. A a. A a a a a a. Those who do make the climb will be treated to an excellent View of the town of Framlingham and the Reed filled Marsh next to the Castle. The Rampart walk also provides an excellent a View of the courtyard and the Brick chimneys. Most of the chimneys on top of the towers Are 1 Goth Century additions that serve As ornaments As Well As outlets for smoke. A museum in the South Wing of the poorhouse has a detailed history of the Castle and parts of the surrounding area. /. After touring the Castle visitors can head into the town of Framlingham where there is a variety of shops and restaurants and an a Opportunity to refuel before heading off for. Another Castle. / \ a 7. About 15 Miles away is Orford Castle. In contrast to Framlingham Orford is a near perfect example of a Norman keep. In fact All that remains of the Castle is the keep. A Orford Castle was built by Henry ii in the 12th Century As part of the King s coastal defences and to help strengthen Norman authority Over the people of East Anglia. According to records construction was begun in 1165 and completed in 1173. V a. The keep is a polygon with 20 sides making it nearly circular on the outside it overlooks a water threaded landscape that includes a Bird Sanctuary and a Lighthouse on . The Orford keep is 90 feet High with 10-foot-thick Walls and could be defended even if the Bailey Walls were breached. It has three main Chambers nearly 30 feet in diameter. Stairs and passageways liberally crisscross the internal. Structure \. A Quot. Generally the Feudal lord and his family lived on the third floor of the keep while soldiers and servants lived on the lower floors. Three turrets Rise above the Flat roof of the. Central Tower. To get the Best View of them and to get a better idea of the keep s design it is a Good idea to climb to the top of the Tower. In the keep s basement there is a Stone lined Well. Arid below it Are underground cells that originally served As both cesspools and Dungeon. The Chapel chaplain s chamber Royal apartments kitchens and constables Chambers Are located in the West Turret adjacent to the main Halls. A v a. A a a in the lower Hall of the keep is an exhibition of a Orford and the changing coastline of Suffolk county detailed drawings of Oyhat the original Castle looked like can also be found there As can a collection of weapons. The surrounding area includes  of Orford an old port and fishing Village just off the River Ore. The area has Many trails for nature walks plus the nesting Sanctuary for seabirds on . A there Are several places to eat in the area. Ones. Worth checking out for seafood is the Butley Orford Oyster nge which offers fresh oysters and a variety of other seafood dishes. ,. 12 stripes Magazine a May 16, 1991