However, what is now called Oakham Castle was originally the Great Hall of a much larger fortified manor house. This had many of the traditional features of a castle such as a curtain wall, a gatehouse and a drawbridge with iron chains.
In contrast to its current name, Oakham Castle was initially the main hall of a more extensive fortified residence. It featured several common elements of a castle, including a curtain wall, gatehouse, and drawbridge with iron links.