LEGO Castles lets you build up your entire kingdom and then attack it with dragons, skeletons, bandits, and glow-in-the-dark ghosts.
The castle is one of LEGO’s first and most core build themes. Introduced in 1978, it depicts medieval imagery such as knights and jousts, as well as more fantasy elements such as dragons and wizards. Following the success of the first castle set, LEGO produced the Knight’s Tournament (383-2) and Knight’s Procession (677-1) sets the following year in 1979.
These were the only castle adjacent sets released until 1984, when LEGO released a completely revamped version of the castle set. This one included two factions, the Crusaders and Black Falcons, with unique coats of arms and theming. This time frame also introduced civilian mini-figs as well, with peasants, blacksmiths, and even a Guarded Inn (6067-1) LEGO set.
The Forestmen faction was added in 1987 (which was sadly phased out just a few years later in 1990). In the same year introduced some new, interesting pieces like a helmet with a movable visor and a glow-in-the-dark ghost were added to LEGO’s line up. The Forestmen faction added an interesting dynamic of outlaws to the LEGO Castle series. They could be played as bad guys, or more like Robin Hood’s men. After the faction was retired, LEGO reintroduced something similar-ish with the Wolfpack faction in 1992.
Shortly after that, the Dragon Masters faction brought a little more magic and fantasy. This was continued more with the 1998 edition of the Fright Knights. After this point, LEGO shifted the castle focus to a medieval Japan setting with samurai and ninjas, before returning to their more classic European castle design in 2000.
LEGO’s next return to the castle theme was in 2004 with the Knights’ Kingdom II. This set was much more vibrant than previous sets, both in terms of colors and personality and it’s BIONICLE-like style. But in 2007 they returned to the Castle line with even more fantasy aspects like skeleton warriors, trolls, and dwarves.
The Kingdoms set replace Castle in 2010 and brought more medieval pseudo-realism back to the line, but was replaced with yet another Castle set in 2013 before being discontinued in 2015.
Important LEGO Castle Sets
Castle (375) was one of the very first LEGO Castle sets. It is also the last set to include the 1x1x1 size windows.
- 779 pieces
- 14 minifig knights plus 4 horses
The King’s Mountain Fortress (6081) was the last castle of the Crusader’s set. The castle was noteworthy for being inhabited by a glow in the dark ghost, and for pioneering the 2x2x2 slope brick skirt for the princess minifig.
- 429 pieces
- 9 minifigs
The Lion Knights’ Castle (10305) brought the theme back for all of those (now adult) kids who grew up with the classic sets. It’s the largest castle theme set… so far.
- 4,514 pieces
- 22 minifigs
LEGO Castle Sub Themes/Factions
The Crusaders were introduced in 1984 alongside the Black Falcons. The Crusaders were brave knights who defended the innocent, enforced justice, and served the castle. Until 1992, they were one of the largest Castle-themed factions. And this set featured many civilian buildings.
Forestmen were introduced in 1987, the Forestmen faction featured a series of hideouts and fortifications in the woods. They were designed as bandits and rogues. But also had a distinct Robin-Hood-esque antihero feel.
The Black Knights run grew to thirteen unique sets, including two major castles. They were known for the black color scheme of their castles and armor. They were often depicted in friendly competition such as jousting with the Crusaders, and merged with the other faction in 1990.
Creator 3-in-1 Medieval Horse Knight Castle (31168)
The theme isn’t being supported as much as it used to be, but there are still sets being made – like this 3-in-1 Creator set. Build a castle with a movable drawbridge, great hall, stable, smithy, secret treasure chest, king’s bedroom, writing room, and 2 tower terraces. Or you can choose a jousting tournament with a small castle or a medieval town with a windmill.
- 1,371 pieces
- 6 minifigs
- Castle is 12 in. (31 cm) high, 14 in. (36 cm) wide, and 11.5 in. (30 cm) deep
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Managing editor and pop culture writer that has been on the BoLS team since 2012. Vertigo Comics, Batman, and dystopian sci-fi fan. Enjoys bad movies, LEGO Technic, and the internet. Hates rom-coms. (she/they)
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