List of castles in Somerset
Encyclopedia
This is a list of castles in the ceremonial
county of Somerset
, England.
A castle
is a type of fortified structure, developed in Europe during the Middle Ages
, with those in England largely being built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Castles can take several forms. The most common is the motte-and-bailey
which consists of a motte (a mound) – surmounted by a keep
or tower – connected to a bailey, an outer enclosure where the barracks and workshops were located. Other types of castle in Somerset are ringwork
s and fortified manor houses. Ringworks are similar to motte-and-bailey castles but lack the motte; although contemporary with motte-and-baileys, they are an uncommon form of fortification. A ringwork may have been built rather than a motte-and-bailey because the soil was too thin to provide a proper motte or simply because of the preference of the builder. A fortified manor house was the administrative centre of a manor
– a division of land in medieval England – and was usually the home of the local lord. Fortified manor houses are considered castles because they often had battlement
s or crenellations. A castle differed from earlier fortification
s in being in general a private fortified residence, typically of a feudal lord
, providing the owner with a secure base from which to control his lands, as well as a symbol of wealth and power. Earlier fortified structures, such as the Saxon burh
or the Iron Age
hill fort
, of which there are many in Somerset, provided public or communal defences.
Many of those which survive are listed buildings, others, where only earthworks remain are Scheduled Ancient Monument
s. In the United Kingdom, the term listed building refers to a building or other structure officially designated as being of special architectural, historical, or cultural significance; Grade I structures are those considered to be "buildings of exceptional interest". Listing was begun by a provision in the Town and Country Planning Act 1947
. Once listed, strict limitations are imposed on the modifications allowed to a building's structure or fittings. In England, the authority for listing under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
rests with English Heritage
, a non-departmental public body
sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
; local authorities have a responsibility to regulate and enforce the planning regulations. A Scheduled Monument is a "nationally important" archaeological site
or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change. Scheduled Monuments are specified in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979
, which defines a monument as:
Damage to a scheduled monument is a criminal offence and any work taking place at one of these sites requires Scheduled Monument Consent from the Secretary of State. In England, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
keeps the register, or schedule, of nationally important sites which receive state protection, which now includes over 31,000 sites.
Ceremonial counties of England
The ceremonial counties are areas of England to which are appointed a Lord Lieutenant, and are defined by the government as counties and areas for the purposes of the Lieutenancies Act 1997 with reference to the metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties of England and Lieutenancies Act 1997...
county of Somerset
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
, England.
A castle
Castle
A castle is a type of fortified structure built in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble...
is a type of fortified structure, developed in Europe during the Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
, with those in England largely being built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Castles can take several forms. The most common is the motte-and-bailey
Motte-and-bailey
A motte-and-bailey is a form of castle, with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised earthwork called a motte, accompanied by an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade...
which consists of a motte (a mound) – surmounted by a keep
Keep
A keep is a type of fortified tower built within castles during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars have debated the scope of the word keep, but usually consider it to refer to large towers in castles that were fortified residences, used as a refuge of last resort should the rest of the...
or tower – connected to a bailey, an outer enclosure where the barracks and workshops were located. Other types of castle in Somerset are ringwork
Ringwork
A ringwork is a form of fortified defensive structure, usually circular or oval in shape. Ringworks are essentially motte-and-bailey castles minus the motte...
s and fortified manor houses. Ringworks are similar to motte-and-bailey castles but lack the motte; although contemporary with motte-and-baileys, they are an uncommon form of fortification. A ringwork may have been built rather than a motte-and-bailey because the soil was too thin to provide a proper motte or simply because of the preference of the builder. A fortified manor house was the administrative centre of a manor
Manorialism
Manorialism, an essential element of feudal society, was the organizing principle of rural economy that originated in the villa system of the Late Roman Empire, was widely practiced in medieval western and parts of central Europe, and was slowly replaced by the advent of a money-based market...
– a division of land in medieval England – and was usually the home of the local lord. Fortified manor houses are considered castles because they often had battlement
Battlement
A battlement in defensive architecture, such as that of city walls or castles, comprises a parapet , in which portions have been cut out at intervals to allow the discharge of arrows or other missiles. These cut-out portions form crenels...
s or crenellations. A castle differed from earlier fortification
Fortification
Fortifications are military constructions and buildings designed for defence in warfare and military bases. Humans have constructed defensive works for many thousands of years, in a variety of increasingly complex designs...
s in being in general a private fortified residence, typically of a feudal lord
Feudalism in England
Feudalism as practiced in the Kingdom of England, in the traditional sense, is a state of human society which is formally structured and stratified on the basis of land tenure and the varieties thereof...
, providing the owner with a secure base from which to control his lands, as well as a symbol of wealth and power. Earlier fortified structures, such as the Saxon burh
Burh
A Burh is an Old English name for a fortified town or other defended site, sometimes centred upon a hill fort though always intended as a place of permanent settlement, its origin was in military defence; "it represented only a stage, though a vitally important one, in the evolution of the...
or the Iron Age
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
hill fort
Hill fort
A hill fort is a type of earthworks used as a fortified refuge or defended settlement, located to exploit a rise in elevation for defensive advantage. They are typically European and of the Bronze and Iron Ages. Some were used in the post-Roman period...
, of which there are many in Somerset, provided public or communal defences.
Many of those which survive are listed buildings, others, where only earthworks remain are Scheduled Ancient Monument
Scheduled Ancient Monument
In the United Kingdom, a scheduled monument is a 'nationally important' archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorized change. The various pieces of legislation used for legally protecting heritage assets from damage and destruction are grouped under the term...
s. In the United Kingdom, the term listed building refers to a building or other structure officially designated as being of special architectural, historical, or cultural significance; Grade I structures are those considered to be "buildings of exceptional interest". Listing was begun by a provision in the Town and Country Planning Act 1947
Town and Country Planning Act 1947
The Town and Country Planning Act 1947 was an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom passed by the post-war Labour government...
. Once listed, strict limitations are imposed on the modifications allowed to a building's structure or fittings. In England, the authority for listing under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
The Planning Act 1990 is an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom that altered the laws on granting of planning permission for building works, notably including those of the listed building system in England and Wales....
rests with English Heritage
English Heritage
English Heritage . is an executive non-departmental public body of the British Government sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport...
, a non-departmental public body
Non-departmental public body
In the United Kingdom, a non-departmental public body —often referred to as a quango—is a classification applied by the Cabinet Office, Treasury, Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive to certain types of public bodies...
sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is a department of the United Kingdom government, with responsibility for culture and sport in England, and some aspects of the media throughout the whole UK, such as broadcasting and internet....
; local authorities have a responsibility to regulate and enforce the planning regulations. A Scheduled Monument is a "nationally important" archaeological site
Archaeological site
An archaeological site is a place in which evidence of past activity is preserved , and which has been, or may be, investigated using the discipline of archaeology and represents a part of the archaeological record.Beyond this, the definition and geographical extent of a 'site' can vary widely,...
or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change. Scheduled Monuments are specified in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 or AMAAA was a law passed by the British government, the latest in a series of Ancient Monument Acts legislating to protect the archaeological heritage of Great Britain. Northern Ireland has its own legislation.Section 61 defines sites that...
, which defines a monument as:
Damage to a scheduled monument is a criminal offence and any work taking place at one of these sites requires Scheduled Monument Consent from the Secretary of State. In England, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is a department of the United Kingdom government, with responsibility for culture and sport in England, and some aspects of the media throughout the whole UK, such as broadcasting and internet....
keeps the register, or schedule, of nationally important sites which receive state protection, which now includes over 31,000 sites.
Castles
| Site Name Alternative name(s) |
Constructed | Scheduling Number Scheduled Ancient Monument In the United Kingdom, a scheduled monument is a 'nationally important' archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorized change. The various pieces of legislation used for legally protecting heritage assets from damage and destruction are grouped under the term... |
Listed building grade | Plan | Image | Location or parish | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballands Castle Ballands Castle -History:Balland Castle was a motte and bailey castle, probably built after the Norman conquest of England in 1066, near the village of Penselwood in Somerset... |
After 1066 | 202580 | Penselwood Penselwood Penselwood is a village and civil parish in the English county of Somerset. It is located north east of Wincanton, south east of Bruton, west of Mere, and north west of Gillingham. The south-east of the parish borders Zeals and Stourhead in Wiltshire, and Bourton in Dorset... 51.0782°N 2.3533°W |
A motte and bailey castle, probably built after the Norman conquest of England Norman conquest of England The Norman conquest of England began on 28 September 1066 with the invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy. William became known as William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, defeating King Harold II of England... in 1066. The castle sits close to the contemporary Norman castles of Cockroad Wood Cockroad Wood Castle Cockroad Wood Castle was a castle near Wincanton but now in the parish of Charlton Musgrove, Somerset, England.-History:Cockroad Wood Castle was a motte and bailey castle, probably built after the Norman conquest of England in 1066... and Castle Orchard, and may have been built as part of a system of fortifications to control the surrounding area. The motte of the castle is now around 5 m high, and up to 9 m wide. The bailey lies to the south, and both the motte and the bailey are surrounded by ditches. |
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| Bishop's Palace Bishop's Palace, Wells The Bishop's Palace, Wells, Somerset, England, is adjacent to Wells Cathedral and has been the home of the Bishops of the Diocese of Bath and Wells for 800 years.... |
c. 1210 |  |
Wells Wells Wells is a cathedral city and civil parish in the Mendip district of Somerset, England, on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills. Although the population recorded in the 2001 census is 10,406, it has had city status since 1205... 51.2093°N 2.6426°W |
The building was begun around 1210 by Bishop Jocelin of Wells Jocelin of Wells Jocelin of Wells, also known as Jocelinus Thoteman or Jocelin Troteman, was a medieval Bishop of Bath and Wells. He was the brother of Hugh de Wells, who became Bishop of Lincoln. Jocelin became a canon of Wells Cathedral before 1200, and was elected bishop in 1206... but principally dates from 1230. It was restored, divided and the upper storey added by Benjamin Ferrey Benjamin Ferrey Benjamin Ferrey, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A. was an English architect who worked mostly in the Gothic Revival.-Family:Benjamin Ferrey was the youngest son of Benjamin Ferrey Snr, a draper who became Mayor of Christchurch. He was educated at Wimborne Grammar School.... between 1846 and 1854. The north wing (now the Bishop's residence) was added in the 15th century by Bishop Beckington Thomas Beckington Thomas Beckington was the Bishop of Bath and Wells and King's Secretary in medieval England.-Life:... , with further modifications in the 18th century, and in 1810 by Bishop Beadon Richard Beadon Richard Beadon DD was Master of Jesus College, Cambridge 1781–1789 and later Vice-Chancellor of the University, Bishop of Gloucester and Bishop of Bath and Wells.-Life:... . |
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| Bridgwater Castle Bridgwater Castle Bridgwater Castle was a castle in the town of Bridgwater, Somerset, England.-Early history:The castle was built in 1202 by William Brewer, like several other castle-builders of the period, an exceptionally wealthy man. He was granted the lordship of the Manor of Bridgwater by King John in 1201, and... |
1202 | 190958 | Bridgwater Bridgwater Bridgwater is a market town and civil parish in Somerset, England. It is the administrative centre of the Sedgemoor district, and a major industrial centre. Bridgwater is located on the major communication routes through South West England... 51.1357°N 2.9983°W |
Bridgwater Castle was a substantial structure built in Old Red Sandstone Old Red Sandstone The Old Red Sandstone is a British rock formation of considerable importance to early paleontology. For convenience the short version of the term, 'ORS' is often used in literature on the subject.-Sedimentology:... , covering a site of 8 or 9 acres (32,000 to 36,000 m²). A tidal moat Moat A moat is a deep, broad ditch, either dry or filled with water, that surrounds a castle, other building or town, historically to provide it with a preliminary line of defence. In some places moats evolved into more extensive water defences, including natural or artificial lakes, dams and sluices... , up to 65 feet (20 m) wide in places, flowed about along the current streets of Fore Street and Castle Moat, and between Northgate and Chandos Street. The moat was filled from Durleigh brook, a tributary of the River Parrett River Parrett The River Parrett flows through the counties of Dorset and Somerset in South West England, from its source in the Thorney Mills springs in the hills around Chedington in Dorset... . |
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| Bury Castle Bury Castle, Somerset Bury Castle is an Iron Age hill fort and 12th medieval century castle near Selworthy, Somerset, England.-Iron Age:Bury Castle was built as a promontory fort, situated over the meeting of the River Exe and River Haddeo. Hill forts developed in the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age, roughly the start of... |
Late 1130s | 36765 | Brompton Regis Brompton Regis Brompton Regis is a village and civil parish in the West Somerset district of Somerset, England about north-east of Dulverton. It is situated on the River Haddeo in the Brendon Hills within the Exmoor National Park, close to Wimbleball Lake, a water supply reservoir constructed in the 1970s and... 51.0321°N 3.5152°W |
During the Anarchy The Anarchy The Anarchy or The Nineteen-Year Winter was a period of English history during the reign of King Stephen, which was characterised by civil war and unsettled government... between the supporters of King Stephen Stephen of England Stephen , often referred to as Stephen of Blois , was a grandson of William the Conqueror. He was King of England from 1135 to his death, and also the Count of Boulogne by right of his wife. Stephen's reign was marked by the Anarchy, a civil war with his cousin and rival, the Empress Matilda... and the Empress Matilda Empress Matilda Empress Matilda , also known as Matilda of England or Maude, was the daughter and heir of King Henry I of England. Matilda and her younger brother, William Adelin, were the only legitimate children of King Henry to survive to adulthood... , a motte and bailey castle was built on the site of an earlier Iorn Age hillfort, probably by William de Say. The motte measures 23 metres (75 ft) and was placed on the southern tip of the promontory, with the bailey beyond around 60 metres (197 ft) across. |
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| Cary Castle Cary Castle Cary Castle stood on Lodge Hill overlooking the town of Castle Cary, Somerset, England. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.-Details:The motte and bailey castle was built either by Walter of Douai or by his son Robert who also built Bampton Castle in Devon... |
200127 |  |
Castle Cary Castle Cary Castle Cary is a market town and civil parish in south Somerset, England, north west of Wincanton and south of Shepton Mallet.The town is situated on the River Cary, a tributary of the Parrett.-History:... 51.0880°N 2.5140°W |
Motte and bailey castle was built either by Walter of Douai Walter of Douai Walter of Douai was a Norman knight, probably at the Battle of Hastings, and a major landowner in South West England after the Norman Conquest. He is given various names and titles in different sources including: Walter de Douai. Douai is sometimes written as Dowai... or by his son Robert. Besieged Siege A siege is a military blockade of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by attrition or assault. The term derives from sedere, Latin for "to sit". Generally speaking, siege warfare is a form of constant, low intensity conflict characterized by one party holding a strong, static... by King Stephen Stephen, King of England Stephen , often referred to as Stephen of Blois , was a grandson of William the Conqueror. He was King of England from 1135 to his death, and also the Count of Boulogne by right of his wife. Stephen's reign was marked by the Anarchy, a civil war with his cousin and rival, the Empress Matilda... during The Anarchy The Anarchy The Anarchy or The Nineteen-Year Winter was a period of English history during the reign of King Stephen, which was characterised by civil war and unsettled government... By 1468 the castle had been abandoned. Around that time a manor house was built on or adjacent to the site of the castle, possibly by Baron Zouche Baron Zouche Baron Zouche is a title that has thrice been created in the Peerage of England.-Genealogy:The de la Zouche family descended from Alan de la Zouche, sometimes called Alan de Porhoët and Alan la Coche , a Breton who settled in England during the reign of Henry II. He was the son of Vicomte Geoffrey I... . It was largely demolished at the end of the 18th century. |
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| Castle Batch Castle Batch Castle Batch was a castle at Worle that once stood overlooking the town of Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, England. The present site has an earthwork mound of in diameter which is believed to be the remains of a motte.... |
192666 | Weston-super-Mare Weston-super-Mare Weston-super-Mare is a seaside resort, town and civil parish in the unitary authority of North Somerset, which is within the ceremonial county of Somerset, England. It is located on the Bristol Channel coast, south west of Bristol, spanning the coast between the bounding high ground of Worlebury... 51.3688°N 2.9182°W |
This site has an earthwork mound 160 feet (48.8 m) in diameter which is believed to be the remains of a motte. | ||||
| Castle Neroche Castle Neroche Castle Neroche is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle on the site of an earlier hill fort in the parish of Curland, near Staple Fitzpaine, Somerset, England. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.-Location:... |
11th century | 190295 |  |
Curland Curland Curland is a village and civil parish in Somerset, England, situated south of Taunton in the Taunton Deane district. The village has a population of 141... 50.9365°N 3.0362°W |
Motte-and-bailey Motte-and-bailey A motte-and-bailey is a form of castle, with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised earthwork called a motte, accompanied by an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade... castle Castle A castle is a type of fortified structure built in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble... on the site of an earlier hill fort Hill fort A hill fort is a type of earthworks used as a fortified refuge or defended settlement, located to exploit a rise in elevation for defensive advantage. They are typically European and of the Bronze and Iron Ages. Some were used in the post-Roman period... , probably built by Robert, Count of Mortain Robert, Count of Mortain Robert, Count of Mortain, 1st Earl of Cornwall was a Norman nobleman and the half-brother of William I of England. Robert was the son of Herluin de Conteville and Herleva of Falaise and was full brother to Odo of Bayeux. The exact year of Robert's birth is unknown Robert, Count of Mortain, 1st... . Archaeological evidence suggests it was built in several stages during the first a rampart enclosing 7.5 acres (3 ha) was built. Soon after the Norman Conquest a smaller inner ringwork Ringwork A ringwork is a form of fortified defensive structure, usually circular or oval in shape. Ringworks are essentially motte-and-bailey castles minus the motte... was constructed. The site was later converted into a motte and bailey, with a corner of the 20 feet (6.1 m) high motte serving as a barbican Barbican A barbican, from medieval Latin barbecana, signifying the "outer fortification of a city or castle," with cognates in the Romance languages A barbican, from medieval Latin barbecana, signifying the "outer fortification of a city or castle," with cognates in the Romance languages A barbican, from... . |
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| Cockroad Wood Castle Cockroad Wood Castle Cockroad Wood Castle was a castle near Wincanton but now in the parish of Charlton Musgrove, Somerset, England.-History:Cockroad Wood Castle was a motte and bailey castle, probably built after the Norman conquest of England in 1066... |
after 1066 | 202650 | Charlton Musgrove Charlton Musgrove Charlton Musgrove is a village and civil parish in Somerset, England, situated north east of Wincanton in the South Somerset district. The village has a population of 375... 51.0881°N 2.3633°W |
A motte and bailey castle, probably built after the Norman conquest of England Norman conquest of England The Norman conquest of England began on 28 September 1066 with the invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy. William became known as William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, defeating King Harold II of England... in 1066. The castle sits close to the contemporary Norman castles of Ballands Ballands Castle -History:Balland Castle was a motte and bailey castle, probably built after the Norman conquest of England in 1066, near the village of Penselwood in Somerset... and Castle Orchard, and may have been built a system of fortifications to control the surrounding area. The castle was build with a motte and two baileys, running along a north-south ridge, with a possible entrance to the east. The motte today is 13.5 wide, up to 7.5m high and is surrounded by a 1.25m deep ditch. The two baileys were probably linked to the motte by wooden bridges. |
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| Crewkerne Castle Crewkerne Castle Crewkerne Castle was possibly a Norman motte and bailey castle on a mound that is situated north-west of the town of Crewkerne in Somerset, England.-Details:... Castle Hill Croft Castle Crow Castle |
Norman motte or 13th century manor house | Crewkerne Crewkerne Crewkerne is a town in Somerset, England, situated south west of Yeovil and east of Chard in the South Somerset district close to the border with Dorset. The civil parish of West Crewkerne includes the hamlets of Woolminstone and Henley... 50.89287°N 2.8246°W |
Possibly a Norman Norman architecture About|Romanesque architecture, primarily English|other buildings in Normandy|Architecture of Normandy.File:Durham Cathedral. Nave by James Valentine c.1890.jpg|thumb|200px|The nave of Durham Cathedral demonstrates the characteristic round arched style, though use of shallow pointed arches above the... motte and bailey castle on a 450 feet (137.2 m) high outcrop that since at least 1839 has been termed a castle site. Archaeological Archaeology Archaeology, or archeology , is the study of human society, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes... and geophysical Geophysics Geophysics is the physics of the Earth and its environment in space; also the study of the Earth using quantitative physical methods. The term geophysics sometimes refers only to the geological applications: Earth's shape; its gravitational and magnetic fields; its internal structure and... research has found a ditch around the hilltop, with a masonry square within it, while fragments of 12th century pottery have been found on the site. One theory is that this is a Norman motte; another that it is a 13th century manor house; alternatively it may be simply have been a local folly Folly In architecture, a folly is a building constructed primarily for decoration, but either suggesting by its appearance some other purpose, or merely so extravagant that it transcends the normal range of garden ornaments or other class of building to which it belongs... . |
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| Culverhay Castle Culverhay Castle Culverhay Castle, also known as Englishcombe Castle, was a castle in the village of Englishcombe, Somerset, England.-Details:Culverhay Castle was built in a ringwork design in the town of Englishcombe, Somerset. The ringwork ditch and bank, up to 5 feet deep, is to the east of the village church... Englishcombe Castle |
Late 11th century to the early 13th century | 204528 | Englishcombe Englishcombe Englishcombe is a village and civil parish in Bath and North East Somerset just outside Bath, England. The parish, which also includes the hamlets of Inglesbatch, Nailwell and Wilmington, has a population of 332.-History:... 51.3658°N 2.4037°W |
A ringwork Ringwork A ringwork is a form of fortified defensive structure, usually circular or oval in shape. Ringworks are essentially motte-and-bailey castles minus the motte... design with a ditch and bank, up to 5 feet (1.5 m) deep. During the first half of the 13th century a stone circular keep Keep A keep is a type of fortified tower built within castles during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars have debated the scope of the word keep, but usually consider it to refer to large towers in castles that were fortified residences, used as a refuge of last resort should the rest of the... and low curtain wall was built at the castle, along with one or two other stone buildings within the ringwork. A medieval deer park Medieval deer park A medieval deer park was an enclosed area containing deer. It was bounded by a ditch and bank with a wooden park pale on top of the bank. The ditch was typically on the inside, thus allowing deer to enter the park but preventing them from leaving.-History:... may have been attached to the castle. |
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| Down End Castle Down End Castle Down End Castle, also known as Downend Castle, Chisley Mount or Chidley Mount, was a motte-and-bailey castle at Down End, north of Dunball in the parish of Puriton, Somerset, England. It has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.... Downend Castle Chisley Mount Chidley Mount |
192333 | Down End, Dunball Dunball Dunball is a small hamlet west of the village of Puriton and close to the town of Bridgwater, Somerset, England.Just north of Dunball is Down End which is the site of Down End Castle a motte-and-bailey castle, which has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.Located on the A38, adjacent to... , Puriton Puriton Puriton is a village and a parish, at the westerly end of the Polden Hills, in the Sedgemoor district of Somerset, UK. The parish has a population of 2,124. The local parish church is named after St Michael... 51.1674°N 2.9921°W |
Probably a motte-and-bailey Motte-and-bailey A motte-and-bailey is a form of castle, with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised earthwork called a motte, accompanied by an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade... castle Castle A castle is a type of fortified structure built in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble... , although there has been some debate about its origin and purpose. The motte has two baileys to the north. The inner bailey has one bank and the outer one a double bank. Norman and later pottery and iron objects were found during excavations in 1908. The mound measures 30 metres (98.4 ft) across the top. |
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| Dunster Castle Dunster Castle Dunster Castle is a former motte and bailey castle, now a country house, in the village of Dunster, Somerset, England. The castle lies on the top of a steep hill called the Tor, and has been fortified since the late Anglo-Saxon period. After the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century,... |
36863 |  |
Dunster Dunster Dunster is a village and civil parish in west Somerset, England, situated on the Bristol Channel coast south-southeast of Minehead and northwest of Taunton. The village has a population of 862 .The village has numerous restaurants and three pubs... 51.1814°N 3.4444°W |
The historical home of the Luttrell family Earl of Carhampton Earl of Carhampton was a title in the Peerage of Ireland. It was created in 1785 for Simon Luttrell, 1st Viscount Carhampton. He had already been created Baron Irnham, of Luttrellstown in the County of Dublin, in 1768 and Viscount Carhampton, of Castlehaven in the County of Cork, in 1781, also in... . A motte-and-bailey Motte-and-bailey A motte-and-bailey is a form of castle, with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised earthwork called a motte, accompanied by an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade... castle fortified since Saxon Saxons The Saxons were a confederation of Germanic tribes originating on the North German plain. The Saxons earliest known area of settlement is Northern Albingia, an area approximately that of modern Holstein... times. The castle was able to withstand a siege by the forces of King Stephen Stephen, King of England Stephen , often referred to as Stephen of Blois , was a grandson of William the Conqueror. He was King of England from 1135 to his death, and also the Count of Boulogne by right of his wife. Stephen's reign was marked by the Anarchy, a civil war with his cousin and rival, the Empress Matilda... in 1138. In the 17th century the building was expanded into a fortified manor house but was still able to resist Royalist forces in the English Civil War English Civil War The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists... . It was further modified during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th century is was sold to the nation and is now owned and operated by the National Trust National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, usually known as the National Trust, is a conservation organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland... as a tourist attraction. |
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| Farleigh Hungerford Castle Farleigh Hungerford Castle Farleigh Hungerford Castle, sometimes called Farleigh Castle or Farley Castle, is a medieval castle in Farleigh Hungerford, Somerset, England. The castle was built in two phases: the inner court was constructed between 1377 and 1383 by Sir Thomas Hungerford, who made his fortune working as a... Farleigh Castle Farley Castle |
c. 1370 | 207732 |  |
Farleigh Hungerford Farleigh Hungerford Farleigh Hungerford is a village within the civil parish of Norton St Philip in Somerset, England, 9 miles southeast of Bath, 3½ miles west of Trowbridge on A366, in the valley of the River Frome.... 51.3172°N 2.2847°W |
Built in the 14th century, the castle was originally a manor house Manor house A manor house is a country house that historically formed the administrative centre of a manor, the lowest unit of territorial organisation in the feudal system in Europe. The term is applied to country houses that belonged to the gentry and other grand stately homes... for the Montfort family Baron Montfort Baron Montfort is a title that has been created twice in British history. The first creation came in the Peerage of England when John de Montfort was summoned to parliament on 23 June 1295. In 1367 the title either became extinct or fell into abeyance on the death of the third Baron... having been granted to them by William Rufus. Originally a manor house Manor house A manor house is a country house that historically formed the administrative centre of a manor, the lowest unit of territorial organisation in the feudal system in Europe. The term is applied to country houses that belonged to the gentry and other grand stately homes... overlooking the River Frome River Frome, Somerset The River Frome is a river in Somerset. It rises near Witham Friary, flows north through the town of Frome and joins the River Avon at Freshford, south of Bath.... it was fortified and developed over hundreds of years with a barbican Barbican A barbican, from medieval Latin barbecana, signifying the "outer fortification of a city or castle," with cognates in the Romance languages A barbican, from medieval Latin barbecana, signifying the "outer fortification of a city or castle," with cognates in the Romance languages A barbican, from... , and polygonal outer court,. It played a role in the English Civil War English Civil War The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists... before falling into ruin. |
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| Fenny Castle Fenny Castle Fenny Castle is the remains of a motte and bailey castle in the parish of Wookey, Somerset, England. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.It is sited on a natural hillock of Lias approximately above the surrounding flat land on the edge of the Somerset Levels... |
197243 | Wookey Wookey Wookey is a village and civil parish west of Wells, on the River Axe in the Mendip district of Somerset, England. Wookey is often confused with its sister village Wookey Hole which is perhaps best known today for the Wookey Hole Caves... 51.1894°N 2.7053°W |
The remains of a motte and bailey castle sited on a natural hillock of Lias Lias Group The Lias Group or Lias is a lithostratigraphic unit found in a large area of western Europe, including the British Isles, the North Sea, the low countries and the north of Germany... approximately 20 metres (65.6 ft) above the surrounding flat land on the edge of the Somerset Levels Somerset Levels The Somerset Levels, or the Somerset Levels and Moors as they are less commonly but more correctly known, is a sparsely populated coastal plain and wetland area of central Somerset, South West England, between the Quantock and Mendip Hills... . Little remains of the stonework, and there is evidence of extensive quarrying. The mound is now covered in grass and scrub with a few trees. |
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| Hales Castle Hales Castle Hales Castle was a medieval castle that once stood overlooking the town of Frome in the Mendip district of Somerset, England.-History:Hales Castle was built, probably in the years immediately after the Norman conquest of England in 1066, overlooking the town of Frome in the Mendip district of... |
202864 | Selwood Selwood, Somerset Selwood used to be a village but is now part of the suburbs of Frome. It is a civil parish in the Mendip district of Somerset, England. The parish includes the villages of East and West Woodlands, Rodden and the hamlet of Alder Row.-History:... 51.1971°N 2.2910°W |
A circular ringwork 120 feet (36.6 m) in diameter, on the northern slope of Roddenbury Hill, comprising bank and outer ditch and an unfinished bailey. | ||||
| Locking Castle Locking Castle Locking Castle was a castle that once stood on Carberry Hill near the site of RAF Locking in Locking in the North Somerset district of Somerset, England. It has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.... |
Locking 51.3434°N 2.9147°W |
A motte and bailey on Carberry Hill. | |||||
| Montacute Castle Montacute Castle Montacue Castle was a castle built on a hill overlooking the village of Montacute, Somerset, England.-Details:Montacute Castle was built after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by Robert of Mortain... |
1fter 1066 | 193150 | Montacute Montacute Montacute is a small village and civil parish in Somerset, England, west of Yeovil. The village has a population of 680 . The name Montacute is thought by some to derive from the Latin "Mons Acutus", referring to the small but still quite acute hill dominating the village to the west.The village... (St Michael's Hill) 50.9497°N 2.7224°W |
Montacute Castle was built after the Norman Conquest of England Norman conquest of England The Norman conquest of England began on 28 September 1066 with the invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy. William became known as William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, defeating King Harold II of England... in 1066 by Robert of Mortain Robert, Count of Mortain Robert, Count of Mortain, 1st Earl of Cornwall was a Norman nobleman and the half-brother of William I of England. Robert was the son of Herluin de Conteville and Herleva of Falaise and was full brother to Odo of Bayeux. The exact year of Robert's birth is unknown Robert, Count of Mortain, 1st... . The natural features of the hill were used to form an oval-shaped motte and an inner bailey, surrounded by an outer bailey beyond. A park Medieval deer park A medieval deer park was an enclosed area containing deer. It was bounded by a ditch and bank with a wooden park pale on top of the bank. The ditch was typically on the inside, thus allowing deer to enter the park but preventing them from leaving.-History:... for hunting was established alongside the castle and the village. The castle was unsuccessfully besieged in 1068 during a major Anglo-Saxon revolt against Norman rule, but the rebels were defeated by Geoffrey de Montbray Geoffrey de Montbray Geoffrey de Montbray , bishop of Coutances , a right-hand man of William the Conqueror, was a type of the great feudal prelate, warrior and administrator at need.... , the Bishop of Coutances. |
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| Newton St Loe Castle Newton St Loe Castle Newton St Loe Castle was a fortified manor house in the village of Newton St Loe, Somerset, England.-Details:Newton St Loe Castle was originally built as a fortified manor house, probably in the 12th century, surrounded by Newton Park, then a medieval deer park... |
12th century | Newton St Loe 51.3728°N 2.4397°W |
Newton St Loe Castle was originally built as a fortified manor house Manor house A manor house is a country house that historically formed the administrative centre of a manor, the lowest unit of territorial organisation in the feudal system in Europe. The term is applied to country houses that belonged to the gentry and other grand stately homes... , probably in the 12th century, surrounded by Newton Park Newton Park Newton Park is an 18th-century landscape garden, designed by the landscape gardener Capability Brown, and now owned by the Duchy of Cornwall.Newton Park was laid out on land containing the 14th century keep and gateway of St Loe's Castle, a fortified medieval manor house, Elizabethan farm... , then a medieval deer park Medieval deer park A medieval deer park was an enclosed area containing deer. It was bounded by a ditch and bank with a wooden park pale on top of the bank. The ditch was typically on the inside, thus allowing deer to enter the park but preventing them from leaving.-History:... . At the start of the 14th century, a keep Keep A keep is a type of fortified tower built within castles during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars have debated the scope of the word keep, but usually consider it to refer to large towers in castles that were fortified residences, used as a refuge of last resort should the rest of the... was built on the site. In the 19th century the castle and the surrounding park were heavily landscaped to produce the current country house and gardens; only the renovated keep and the gatehouse survive intact, although a nearby mound marks one of the corner towers of the 14th century castle. Today the site is leased by Bath Spa University Bath Spa University Bath Spa University is a university based in, and around, Bath, England. The institution was previously known as Bath College of Higher Education, and later Bath Spa University College... . |
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| Nunney Castle Nunney Castle Nunney Castle is a castle in Nunney, Somerset, England. Built in the late 14th century by Sir John Delamare on the profits of his involvement in the Hundred Years War, the moated castle's architectural style, possibly influenced by the design of French castles, has provoked considerable academic... |
14th century | 202784 | Nunney Nunney Nunney is a village and civil parish near Frome in the Mendip local government district within the English county of Somerset. The parish includes the hamlet of Holwell.The name of the village comes from Old English and means Nunna's island.... 51.2103°N 2.3786°W |
Built in the late 14th century by Sir John Delamare John Delamare Sir John Delamare was a knight at the court of King Edward III of England and the builder of Nunney Castle in Somerset.He gained permission to turn his manor house at Nunney into Nunney Castle in 1373... on the profits of his involvement in the Hundred Years War, the moat Moat A moat is a deep, broad ditch, either dry or filled with water, that surrounds a castle, other building or town, historically to provide it with a preliminary line of defence. In some places moats evolved into more extensive water defences, including natural or artificial lakes, dams and sluices... ed castle's architectural style, possibly influenced by the design of French castles. Remodelled during the late 16th century, Nunney Castle was damaged during the English Civil War English Civil War The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists... and is now ruined. English Heritage English Heritage English Heritage . is an executive non-departmental public body of the British Government sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport... maintain the site as a tourist attraction Tourist attraction A tourist attraction is a place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, or amusement opportunities.... . The architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner Nikolaus Pevsner Sir Nikolaus Bernhard Leon Pevsner, CBE, FBA was a German-born British scholar of history of art and, especially, of history of architecture... has described Nunney as "aesthetically the most impressive castle in Somerset." |
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| Richmont Castle Richmont Castle Richmont Castle was an 11th century motte-and-bailey castle near the village of East Harptree, Somerset, England. Now totally ruined, it once included parkland, an artificial lake and served as the local minery court.-Location:... |
After 1066 | 197292 |  |
East Harptree East Harptree East Harptree is a village and civil parish in Somerset, England. It is situated north of Wells and south of Bristol, on the northern slope of the Mendip Hills overlooking the Chew Valley. The parish has a population of 680... 51.2991°N 2.6283°W |
Built probably soon after the Norman conquest of England Norman conquest of England The Norman conquest of England began on 28 September 1066 with the invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy. William became known as William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, defeating King Harold II of England... in 1066, possibly making use of an existing Iron age Iron Age The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing... fortification. Later versions of the castle involved the creation of an inner bailey within the first, and a circular keep Keep A keep is a type of fortified tower built within castles during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars have debated the scope of the word keep, but usually consider it to refer to large towers in castles that were fortified residences, used as a refuge of last resort should the rest of the... on the highest point on the spur. During the 12th century, Richmont Castle was involved in the civil war known as the Anarchy The Anarchy The Anarchy or The Nineteen-Year Winter was a period of English history during the reign of King Stephen, which was characterised by civil war and unsettled government... . The castle was ruined and abandoned by the 1540s, with the stone being reused to build local houses. The site was mined extensively between the 17th and 19th centuries for lead Lead Lead is a main-group element in the carbon group with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82. Lead is a soft, malleable poor metal. It is also counted as one of the heavy metals. Metallic lead has a bluish-white color after being freshly cut, but it soon tarnishes to a dull grayish color when exposed... and calamine Calamine Calamine is a mixture of zinc oxide with about 0.5% ferric oxide . It is the main ingredient in calamine lotion and is used as an antipruritic to treat mild pruritic conditions such as sunburn, eczema, rashes, poison ivy, chickenpox, and insect bites and stings... , used at the foundries at Bristol. |
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| Stogursey Castle Stogursey Castle Stogursey Castle is a medieval castle in Somerset, England, now used for holiday rental by the Landmark Trust.-History:Stogursey Castle was built to the south of the village of Stogursey by the family of the De Courcys, probably in the late 11th or early 12th century. The name Stogursey is a... |
Late 11th or early 12th century | Stogursey Stogursey Stogursey is the name of a small village and civil parish in the Quantock Hills in Somerset, England. It is situated from Nether Stowey, and west of Bridgwater... 51.1756°N 3.1417°W |
Stogursey Castle was built by the family of the De Courcys. The castle was a motte-and-bailey Motte-and-bailey A motte-and-bailey is a form of castle, with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised earthwork called a motte, accompanied by an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade... design with a 60 metres (196.9 ft) wide, 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall motte and two bailey enclosures, surrounded by a water-filled moat Moat A moat is a deep, broad ditch, either dry or filled with water, that surrounds a castle, other building or town, historically to provide it with a preliminary line of defence. In some places moats evolved into more extensive water defences, including natural or artificial lakes, dams and sluices... , fed from the nearby Stogursey Brook. The castle was controlled by King John of England John of England John , also known as John Lackland , was King of England from 6 April 1199 until his death... during the First Barons' War First Barons' War The First Barons' War was a civil war in the Kingdom of England, between a group of rebellious barons—led by Robert Fitzwalter and supported by a French army under the future Louis VIII of France—and King John of England... , and was ordered to be destroyed in 1215, but survived; John's lieutenant Falkes de Breauté Falkes de Breauté Sir Falkes de Breauté was an Anglo-Norman soldier who earned high office by loyally serving first King John and later King Henry III in First Barons' War. He played a key role in the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217. He attempted to rival Hubert de Burgh, and as a result fell from power in 1224... took control of the castle, and after his death a second order to destroy the property was given in 1228, again apparently ignored. The castle was extended in stone in 1300 by the Fitzpayne family, but was destroyed in the 1450s by the Yorkist faction during the War of the Roses. A house was built within the castle grounds in the 17th century and was restored in the 1870s, but by the late 20th century had itself become ruined. |
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| Stowey Castle Stowey Castle Stowey Castle was a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, built in the 11th century, in the village of Nether Stowey on the Quantock Hills in Somerset, England. It has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.... |
11th century | 189462 |  |
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Nether Stowey Nether Stowey Nether Stowey is a large village in the Sedgemoor district of Somerset, South West England. It sits in the foothills of the Quantock Hills , just below Over Stowey... 51.1485°N 3.1625°W |
A Norman Normans The Normans were the people who gave their name to Normandy, a region in northern France. They were descended from Norse Viking conquerors of the territory and the native population of Frankish and Gallo-Roman stock... motte-and-bailey Motte-and-bailey A motte-and-bailey is a form of castle, with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised earthwork called a motte, accompanied by an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade... castle, sited on a small isolated knoll of Leighland Slates of the Devonian Devonian The Devonian is a geologic period and system of the Paleozoic Era spanning from the end of the Silurian Period, about 416.0 ± 2.8 Mya , to the beginning of the Carboniferous Period, about 359.2 ± 2.5 Mya... series, about 390 feet (119 m) high. It consisted of a square keep, (which may have been stone, or a wooden superstructure on stone foundations) and its defences, and an outer and an inner bailey. The mount is 29 feet (9 m) above the 6 feet (2 m) wide ditch which itself is 7 feet (2 m) deep. The motte has a flat top with two large and two small mounds as the edge which may be sites of towers. Central area occupied by approximately square foundations 33 feet (10 m) by 33 feet (10 m) with internal divisions. The castle was destroyed in the 15th century, which may have been as a penalty for the local Lord Audley James Tuchet, 7th Baron Audley Sir James Tuchet, 7th Baron Audley was born in the Heleigh Castle, Staffordshire, England to John Tuchet, 6th Baron Audley and Ann Echingham.... 's involvement in the Second Cornish Uprising of 1497 Second Cornish Uprising of 1497 The Second Cornish Uprising is the name given to the Cornish uprising of September 1497 when the pretender to the throne Perkin Warbeck landed at Whitesand Bay, near Land's End, on 7 September with just 120 men in two ships... led by Perkin Warbeck Perkin Warbeck Perkin Warbeck was a pretender to the English throne during the reign of King Henry VII of England. By claiming to be Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York, the younger son of King Edward IV, one of the Princes in the Tower, Warbeck was a significant threat to the newly established Tudor Dynasty,... . Some of the stone was used in the building of Stowey Court in the village. |
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| Taunton Castle Taunton Castle Taunton Castle is a castle built to defend the town of Taunton, Somerset, England.It has origins in the Anglo Saxon period and was later the site of a priory. The Normans then built a stone structured castle, which belonged to the Bishops of Winchester... |
1107-1129 |  |
Taunton Taunton Taunton is the county town of Somerset, England. The town, including its suburbs, had an estimated population of 61,400 in 2001. It is the largest town in the shire county of Somerset.... 51.0153°N 3.1138°W |
It has origins in the Anglo Saxon Anglo-Saxons Anglo-Saxon is a term used by historians to designate the Germanic tribes who invaded and settled the south and east of Great Britain beginning in the early 5th century AD, and the period from their creation of the English nation to the Norman conquest. The Anglo-Saxon Era denotes the period of... period and was later the site of a priory Priory A priory is a house of men or women under religious vows that is headed by a prior or prioress. Priories may be houses of mendicant friars or religious sisters , or monasteries of monks or nuns .The Benedictines and their offshoots , the Premonstratensians, and the... . Between 1107 and 1129 William Giffard William Giffard William Giffard was the Lord Chancellor of England of William II and Henry I, from 1093 to 1101.Giffard was the brother of Walter Giffard earl of Buckingham. He also held the office of Dean of Rouen prior to his election as bishop. On 3 August 1100 he became bishop of Winchester by nomination of... the Chancellor of King Henry I Henry I of England Henry I was the fourth son of William I of England. He succeeded his elder brother William II as King of England in 1100 and defeated his eldest brother, Robert Curthose, to become Duke of Normandy in 1106... , converted the bishop's hall into a castle. It was his successor, Henry of Blois Henry of Blois Henry of Blois , often known as Henry of Winchester, was Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey from 1126, and Bishop of Winchester from 1129 to his death.-Early life and education:... , who transformed the manor-house here into a mighty castle in 1138, during the Civil War The Anarchy The Anarchy or The Nineteen-Year Winter was a period of English history during the reign of King Stephen, which was characterised by civil war and unsettled government... that raged during the reign of his brother, King Stephen Stephen of England Stephen , often referred to as Stephen of Blois , was a grandson of William the Conqueror. He was King of England from 1135 to his death, and also the Count of Boulogne by right of his wife. Stephen's reign was marked by the Anarchy, a civil war with his cousin and rival, the Empress Matilda... . Taunton Castle had fallen into ruin by 1600 but it was repaired during the Civil War. The current heavily reconstructed buildings are the inner ward, which now houses the county museum Somerset County Museum The Museum of Somerset is located in the 12th century great hall of Taunton Castle, in Taunton in the county of Somerset, England. The museum is run by Somerset County Council and includes objects initially collected by the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society who own the... , and the Michelin Guide Michelin Guide The Michelin Guide is a series of annual guide books published by Michelin for over a dozen countries. The term normally refers to the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant guide, which awards the Michelin stars... starred Castle Hotel Castle Hotel, Taunton The Castle Hotel at Taunton is a hotel and restaurant located in the centre of Taunton, Somerset, England. The business is located in a Grade II listed 18th century reconstruction of the former 12th century Norman fortress, Taunton Castle.-Building:... on the site of one of the previous gate houses. |
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| Wimble Toot Wimble Toot Castle Wimble Toot Castle was a probable castle built near the village of Babcary, Somerset, England.-Details:Wimble Toot Castle is a probable castle built near the village of Babcary, Somerset, between 1067 and 1069... |
Between 1067 and 1069 | Babcary Babcary Babcary is a village and parish in Somerset, England, situated east of Somerton and south west of Castle Cary in the South Somerset district. The village has a population of 239. It lies close to the River Cary and the A37.-History:... 51.0501°N 2.6284°W |
Wimble Toot Castle is a probable castle built between 1067 and 1069. Today the site forms a circular earthwork, 27.47 m across and 2.74 m high, with a ditch on the north-west and south-east sides, on the top of a ridge, overloking a brook which runs into the River Cary River Cary The River Cary is a river in Somerset, England.The River Cary has its source at Park Pond in Castle Cary, and then flows southwest through Cary Moor to Babcary, where there is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest at Babcary Meadows and Cary Fitzpaine. It then flows northwest through... and the old Roman road Roman road The Roman roads were a vital part of the development of the Roman state, from about 500 BC through the expansion during the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. Roman roads enabled the Romans to move armies and trade goods and to communicate. The Roman road system spanned more than 400,000 km... of the Fosse Way Fosse Way The Fosse Way was a Roman road in England that linked Exeter in South West England to Lincoln in Lincolnshire, via Ilchester , Bath , Cirencester and Leicester .It joined Akeman Street and Ermin Way at Cirencester, crossed Watling Street at Venonis south... . Originally the site was classified as a Bronze Age Bronze Age The Bronze Age is a period characterized by the use of copper and its alloy bronze as the chief hard materials in the manufacture of some implements and weapons. Chronologically, it stands between the Stone Age and Iron Age... barrow Tumulus A tumulus is a mound of earth and stones raised over a grave or graves. Tumuli are also known as barrows, burial mounds, Hügelgrab or kurgans, and can be found throughout much of the world. A tumulus composed largely or entirely of stones is usually referred to as a cairn... . The most recent academic research, however, suggests the site was in fact probably a motte castle, built after the Norman conquest of England Norman conquest of England The Norman conquest of England began on 28 September 1066 with the invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy. William became known as William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, defeating King Harold II of England... . Wimble Toot was probably, therefore, designed to protecting the River Cary, and in particular the 19 miles (30km) of navigable river between this castle and Downend Castle, tactically important for Norman communication routes during the period. It would also have guarded the nearby settlement of Ilchester Ilchester Ilchester is a village and civil parish, situated on the River Yeo or Ivel, five miles north of Yeovil, in the English county of Somerset. The parish, which includes the village of Sock Dennis and the old parish of Northover, has a population of 2,021... in conjunction with a fortified manor house Manor house A manor house is a country house that historically formed the administrative centre of a manor, the lowest unit of territorial organisation in the feudal system in Europe. The term is applied to country houses that belonged to the gentry and other grand stately homes... at the village of Sock Dennis, and was probably built by the regional Norman lord, Robert of Mortain Robert, Count of Mortain Robert, Count of Mortain, 1st Earl of Cornwall was a Norman nobleman and the half-brother of William I of England. Robert was the son of Herluin de Conteville and Herleva of Falaise and was full brother to Odo of Bayeux. The exact year of Robert's birth is unknown Robert, Count of Mortain, 1st... . |
See also
- Castles in Great Britain and Ireland
- List of castles in England
- List of hill forts and ancient settlements in Somerset