rundel Castle is located in West Sussex and is built on the site of an existing Saxon fortification. Arundel Castle was the work of the Norman Roger de Montgomery who was granted the land by William the Conqueror. Roger had the task of defending the southern coast from attack and this castle's lofty location was perfect for keeping watch over the river Arun. He would have built a wooden motte and bailey type castle on a 90 foot high mound. Unusually this castle has one motte and two baileys. The motte would have been surrounded by its own ditch. The castle remained with the family of Roger until 1102 when forces under Henry I forced the surrender of Robert de Belleme the owner at the time. The castle became a royal stronghold. The original wooden fortification by then had probably been replaced by stone. The circular keep was possibly begun by Robert de Belleme and finished by Henry I when he took control of the castle.
In the dispute between Matilda and King Stephen, William de Albini the castle's owner, gave refuge to Matilda and was besieged by the King. William was a supporter of King Stephen but he had married Adeliza of Louvain, the widow of King Henry I. When Matilda, Henry's daughter, arrived in England she sought the assistance of Adeliza her step-mother and Adeliza had agreed.
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| Categories | [Motte & Bailey] [Stone Keep] |
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