Contents show]

Description Edit

Castle Britannia lies at the north end of Britain, south of Serpent's Spine. The castle is surrounded by a moat, and heavily guarded. Castle Britannia is not only where Lord British, king of all of Britannia, lives, but also the political heart of the country. Here, the Great Council meets to debate the problems of the land and find solutions. In fact, it is here where virtually all important decisions of the realm are made. Also, once a week, Lord British gives public audiences where everyone can bring his or her matters before the king, as long as he or she waits in the line.

The two main sights inside the castle are the great hall, where big events like feasts are held; and the throne room, where Lord British holds audiences. Castle Britannia is also the symbol of Infinity: the combination of the Eight Virtues and three Principles molded together

History Edit

The castle as seen inwas a single-story structure, and was fairly sparse compared to the castles seen in later Ages. It had storehouses for armour weapons and food, as well as a prison with a modest two cells. Lord British's castle in Sosaria was actually unseen in, but thanks to the temporal meddling of the sorceress Minax , it somehow existed in multiple time-zones on Earth . During these events, the castle appeared the same no matter which era it was visited in, until Minax was brought to justice by the Stranger

The castle was again seen in Ultima III, and by this time, the castle housed a healer and Oracle. Additionally, the royal store rooms were now sealed off by an energy field, and the prison had added a torture chamber, which was later removed.

When Exodus was destroyed, the foundations of Sosaria were rocked by cataclysmic changes. Whether the old castle was destroyed by these events and rebuilt, or stood strong against the twisting geography has been lost to history. In the end however, the castle found its way to the centre of Britannia on the shores of the Britanny Bay

Initially, during the time of Ultima IV, it was outside of the urban region, in the wilderness. From here, Lord British ruled over this new land. An entrance to dungeon Hythloth existed behind the castle at this time, an entrance which later disappeared. It was at this time that the castle was named "Castle Britannia", as the Britannia had just been formed (previously, it had only been known as "Lord British's Castle"). By the time of Ultima V, the Britannys had grown around the castle, and the castle had temporarily lost its purpose in the wake of Lord British's absence and Blackthorn's dictatorship.

After this, in Ultima VI and VII, the castle was returned to its intended function. Britain, which had swallowed the Britannys, grew around it, so the castle eventually became part of the city. The castle was also enlarged, housing the children of the members of the Great Council. In Ultima Underworld II, most of the action took place in the castle. Cut off from the world by the Blackrock Dome of the Guardian, it was only after the Avatar had completed numerous adventures that the castle was freed -- right before it was overrun with soldiers from Killorn Keep.

In Ultima VII Part Two, Lord British told the Avatar of a crack in the foundation of the castle, although it is not known if it threatened the castle's stability.

The castle had changed little in Ultima IX, with Lord British's throne room taking up most of the bottom floor, and his private chambers moved to the second floor.

Lore Edit

"Welcome All!" The Royal jester Chuckles issues his greeting inside the entrance to the castle of Lord British. Passing through the main hall, past the fountain and guards, thou dost come upon the Royal Throne Room, and there thee and those with thee are accepted into the presence of His Majesty, Lord British. Only by gaining audience with His Lordship can those adventurers, who wouldst fight for the glory of Sosaria, raise their stature. Within the mighty fortress walls, if ye search well and come prepared, ye may succeed in finding the mystic oracle, who will reveal to thee thy true quest. Ye will find, too, the Royal Store Rooms, well-guarded, of course, by a field of force. Though prisoners are oft evil and corrupt, ye may find them a useful source. Into the prison, then, ye should fare, and speak to all within. And if thou searcheth out of doors, perchance to find a special clue.

- from Secrets of Sosaria (Ultima III)

Lord British's magnificent castle is situated in the centre of the continent, overlooking Britanny Bay. This tall building is the greatest architectural structure of the new age. Loyal subjects may pay homage to His Majesty, and renew fealty whenever they are in the vicinity of his castle.

- from The History of Britannia (Ultima IV)

Headquarters and home of Lord British, located on Britanny Bay. Those aspiring to the Way of the Avatar should become familiar with this landmark. The marble and tile castle has been enlarged and improved since the Age of the Avatar. Now five stories, the castle has among its many features two kitchens, and excellent armoury, a rooftop observatory, and the finest stable in the land.

- from Book of Lore (Ultima V)

Chief among the places in Britannia, my keep overlooks the town of Britain from the protected flanks of the Serpent's Spine. Visitors to the castle will find evidence of my many interests and hobbies within its marbled halls. Though my authority extends from the throne to the most remote regions of the Kingdom, none shall be turned away who come to me for counsel in their time of need. And forget not, Avatar, that I have prepared a room for you in my castle that you might find a place of rest from your long journeys abroad.

- from Compendium (Ultima VI)

Inhabitants Edit

Ultima I Edit

Six guards

Gwino the jester (most likely Gwenno)

Lord British

A captive princess

Ultima II Edit

On all times:

Andre the French Chef

Lord British

Brother Antos

Only on Earth (1423 B.C.):

Bishop Bob

Commander Decker

A wandering bard

Only on Earth (1990 A.D.):

Sister Sledge

A merchant

A subdued balron

Ultima III Edit





Ultima IV Edit





Ultima V Edit





Ultima VI Edit

And below in the sewers.

Daros: sewer worker

Phoenix: thief





Ultima VII Edit





Ultima Underworld II Edit

And below in the sewers.

Dripper: goblin

Fissif: thief

Rogwump: goblin

Unnamed Goblin: goblin





Ultima IX Edit

Hennington: seneschal

Keller: weaponsmaster

Laurana: sorceress

Lord British: the king

Lydia: cook

Olsen: warrior

Richard: prisoner

Siona: musican

Tyson: jailor

Vasagralem: gargoyle king





Trivia Edit