emains of a forfified manor house built by the Heydon family of Norfolk. The gatehouse form thae largest remains of the castle. The rest of the rectangular inner bailey walls exist to a few feet. Access to the castle would have been via a drawbridge across the moat.Locations
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Locations of lesser places
The locations listed on this page currently have less information so do not warrant a page of their own. As this website evolves and more information is added these locations will be promoted to individual pages.
Baconsthorpe Castle
emains of a forfified manor house built by the Heydon family of Norfolk. The gatehouse form thae largest remains of the castle. The rest of the rectangular inner bailey walls exist to a few feet. Access to the castle would have been via a drawbridge across the moat.| County | Norfolk, England (6 castles) | Categories | Fortified Manor House / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | At any reasonable time |
| Location | 52.899128,1.152095 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Fortified Manor House / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
At any reasonable time |
| Location |
| 52.899128,1.152095 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Baginton Castle
aginton (or Bagot's) Catle is located in the the small hamlet of Baginton just south of Coventry in Warwickshire. Originally constructed in the late 11th or 12th century. Consisting of a motte and bailey castle with later stone buildings. Sir William Bagot improved the castle by constructing a large fortified tower.| County | Warwickshire, England (8 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 52.369685,-1.50004 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 52.369685,-1.50004 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Bampton Castle
ampton Castle was a motte and bailey type castle located in Devonshire. Captured by King Stephen in 1136. In 1336 permission was granted to Richard Cogan to refortify the castle. No remains of the castle are left except the mound of earth that formed the motte.| County | Devon, England (11 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Just the motte remains | Access | Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 50.992786,-3.485462 (Google Maps) ///image.talking.disbelief | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Just the motte remains |
| Access |
Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 50.992786,-3.485462 ///image.talking.disbelief |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Location Map (click to explore)
Timeline
1136
Bampton Castle in Devon captured by King Stephen.
1336
License to crenelate (fortify) the castle at Bampton in Devon was granted.
Barnstaple Castle
ust the mound on which the keep was located is all that remains of this once important castle. Located near the river at the centre of Barnstaple, Devon. The castle was lived in by Judhael de Totnes who founded a Cluniac priory near by. Even in the 14th century the castle was a ruin.| County | Devon, England (11 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Just the motte remains | Access | At any reasonable time |
| Location | 51.08086,-4.06287 (Google Maps) ///judges.record.reduce | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Just the motte remains |
| Access |
At any reasonable time |
| Location |
| 51.08086,-4.06287 ///judges.record.reduce |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Barnwell Castle
ubstantial stone castle and manor house. Privately owned.| County | Northamptonshire, England (4 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Fortified Manor House |
| Remains | Excellent remains | Access | No Access - Private |
| Location | 52.454894,-0.457351 (Google Maps) | Directions | N/A |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Fortified Manor House |
| Remains |
Excellent remains |
| Access |
No Access - Private |
| Location |
| 52.454894,-0.457351 |
| Directions |
| N/A |
Baynard's Castle
efers to two different castles built near each other at different times in London. The original castle was built by Ralph Baynard who was a supporter of William the Conqueror. This castle was situated near the current location of St. Paul's Cathedral on the northern banks of the River Thames and demolished in 1213 by King John. The second was a medieval palace which was greatly improved upon over the centuries. The castle had many important owners including Edward IV and Richard III. Its end came in 1666 with the Great Fire of London during which it was badly damaged and afterwards never rebuilt.| County | Greater London, England (1 castle) | Categories | TBC |
| Remains | TBC | Access | TBC - Please check before visiting |
| County |
| Categories |
TBC |
| Remains |
TBC |
| Access |
TBC - Please check before visiting |
Timeline
1079
The first of two castles located in London taking the name Baynard's Castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest by Ralph Baynard, a Norman who was granted large amounts of land by William the Conqueror. The castle was demolished by King John in 1213.
Beaudesert Castle
ust earthwork remains of a motte and bailey castle.| County | Warwickshire, England (8 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey |
| Remains | Earthworks only | Access | Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 52.29371,-1.77122 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
| Remains |
Earthworks only |
| Access |
Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 52.29371,-1.77122 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Beaupre Castle
lso known as Old Beaupre or Bewpyr. More of a fortifier manor house than a castle. Owned by the Basset family from its construction in the 13th Century until the early 18th century. Notable for its inner porch. Located in South Wales a few miles to the west of Cardiff.| County | Vale of Glamorgan, Wales (3 castles) | Categories | Fortified Manor House |
| Remains | Not complete but much survives | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 51.438797,-3.4271519 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Fortified Manor House |
| Remains |
Not complete but much survives |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 51.438797,-3.4271519 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Belsay Castle
his medieval castle was constructed in the late fourteenth or possibly in the fifteenth century by the Middleton family. At the centre of the castle they built was a three storey rectangular tower with circular turrets at the four corners. On the walls between the corners are battlements is the same style as on top of the turrets. One turret is taller than the rest and contains the staircase that links the three floors. The gorund floor has a pointed tunnel vault and was used as a kitchen. The main hall was located on the first floor while the top floor has several small rooms. At a later period a house was built alongside the tower, and in the early nineteenth century the castle and house were abandoned when Belsay Hall was built a short distance to the south east.| County | Northumberland, England (15 castles) | Categories | Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Not complete but much survives | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Comments | This castle is now cared for by English Heritage. | ||
| Location | 55.1013,-1.8687 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Not complete but much survives |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Comments |
This castle is now cared for by English Heritage. |
| Location |
| 55.1013,-1.8687 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Belvoir Castle
elvoir Castle was originally a Norman castle but over time this has been replaced by what is now a stately house. It is open to the public as certain times.| County | Leicestershire, England (2 castles) | Categories | Baronial castle |
| Remains | Very little if any at all | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Comments | Possibly nothing of the original Norman castle remains. | ||
| Location | 52.894331,-0.782472 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Very little if any at all |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Comments |
Possibly nothing of the original Norman castle remains. |
| Location |
| 52.894331,-0.782472 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Benington Castle
emains of a motte and bailey castle. These form part of Benington Lordship Gardens which are not normally open to the public apart from a few times a year. Look for the Benington Lordship website for details.| County | Hertfordshire, England (5 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 51.89586,-0.116474 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 51.89586,-0.116474 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Beoley Castle
arthworks remains of a possible motte and bailey castle. The area has been ploughed so the exact form of the original design is unclear.| County | Worcestershire, England (6 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Earthworks only | Access | Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 52.32266,-1.904589 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Earthworks only |
| Access |
Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 52.32266,-1.904589 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Berry Pomeroy Castle
he ruins of this castle can be found deep in the woods less than three miles to the east of Totnes, Devon. The castle was owned originally by the Norman Pomeroy family. In around 1547 the castle was sold to the Seymour family and Sir Edward Seymour began the construction of a new fortified manor house within the defences of the old castle. The house was enlarged over several generations but never quite finished and it was left to fall into disrepair when the family moved out. Berry Pomeroy is supposed to be haunted by ghosts.| County | Devon, England (11 castles) | Categories | Fortified Manor House / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Not complete but much survives | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 50.449,-3.63664 (Google Maps) ///cheese.commuting.capers | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Fortified Manor House / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Not complete but much survives |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 50.449,-3.63664 ///cheese.commuting.capers |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Location Map (click to explore)
Bickleigh Castle
oated manor house now privately owned and used as a bed-and-breakfast and wedding venue.| County | Devon, England (11 castles) | Categories | Fortified Manor House |
| Remains | Excellent remains | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 50.85092,-3.511427 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Fortified Manor House |
| Remains |
Excellent remains |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 50.85092,-3.511427 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Location Map (click to explore)
Biggleswade Castle
o visible remains of what was once a motte and bailey castle. Discovered by arial photography of land near the River Ivel. | County | Bedfordshire, England (3 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey |
| Remains | Very little if any at all | Access | Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 52.086242,-0.273039 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
| Remains |
Very little if any at all |
| Access |
Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 52.086242,-0.273039 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Bishop's Castle
Scant remains of a motte and bailey castle build in around 1100. A stone keep was added at some point later. This has fallen into disrepair and only a section of one wall remains. The site is now private land.
| County | Shropshire, England (13 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | No Access - Private |
| Location | 52.49559,-2.998616 (Google Maps) | Directions | N/A |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
No Access - Private |
| Location |
| 52.49559,-2.998616 |
| Directions |
| N/A |
Location Map (click to explore)
Bishop's Stortford Castle
emains of a motte and bailey castle. Also known as Waytemore Castle.| County | Hertfordshire, England (5 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Stone |
| Remains | Just the motte remains | Access | At any reasonable time |
| Location | 51.871935,0.162909 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Stone |
| Remains |
Just the motte remains |
| Access |
At any reasonable time |
| Location |
| 51.871935,0.162909 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Bishopton Castle
his motte and bailey castle was constructed by Roger de Conyers. It is located to the east of Bishopton Beck, a stream that may have provided water to fill the ditches around the castle. It appears that the defences were never replaced in stone. The motte is most likely to be a Norman construction rather than something earlier and the castle had two baileys, one to the north-west and the other to the south-east.| County | County Durham, England (4 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Just the motte remains | Access | Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 54.5811,-1.4353 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Just the motte remains |
| Access |
Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 54.5811,-1.4353 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Bolingbroke Castle
ust earthworks and low walls remain of this stone castle. The plan shows that the castle was hexagonal in design. It was the birth place of Henry Bolingbroke, the future king Henry IV of England.| County | Lincolnshire, England (4 castles) | Categories | Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 53.165106,0.016992 (Google Maps) ///tricks.cleanest.firelight | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 53.165106,0.016992 ///tricks.cleanest.firelight |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Bramber Castle
ramber Castle is a Norman motte and bailey castle built soon after the Conquest of Britain. William the Conqueror granted the land to William de Braose who constructed the castle on the site. Originally this would have been a wooden fort but over time it was replaced by stone. Sadly vaery little of the castle remains to be seen as the stone has been robbed to be used in roads and buildings in the area surrounding it. The castle was owned by the de Braose family, the Mowbray family and then by the Howards who owned Arundel Castle near by.| County | West Sussex, England (5 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Stone |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | At any reasonable time |
| Comments | Only one section of wall remains. | ||
| Location | 50.88365,-0.316815 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Stone |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
At any reasonable time |
| Comments |
Only one section of wall remains. |
| Location |
| 50.88365,-0.316815 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Location Map (click to explore)
Timeline
1208
King John suspected that the loyalty of some barons towards the Crown was not strong so demanded they provide hostages to ensure they did not rise up against him. William de Braose was one of these barons. When a messanger arrived at Bramber Castle from the King with demands to hand over his children William de Braose refused stating that he could not trust the King with their safety. Together with his family William fled to Ireland. [2]
Bridgwater Castle
ery little remains of the castle that once stood at the centre of Bridgwater on the river Parret in Somerset. Built by William de Briwere in the reign of King John in around 1210. Mainly destroyed during the English Civil War. A water gate can still be seen.| County | Somerset, England (8 castles) | Categories | TBC |
| Remains | TBC | Access | TBC - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 51.12896,-3.00487 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
TBC |
| Remains |
TBC |
| Access |
TBC - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 51.12896,-3.00487 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Brimpsfield Castle
arthworks and possibly some stone remains of a motte and bailey castle.| County | Gloucestershire, England (4 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey |
| Remains | Earthworks only | Access | Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 51.8129,-2.086987 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
| Remains |
Earthworks only |
| Access |
Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 51.8129,-2.086987 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Brinklow Castle
ocation of a Norman motte and bailey castle. The motte is still visible and appears to have a public path nearby.| County | Warwickshire, England (8 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey |
| Remains | Earthworks only | Access | At any reasonable time |
| Location | 52.41354,-1.356007 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
| Remains |
Earthworks only |
| Access |
At any reasonable time |
| Location |
| 52.41354,-1.356007 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Bronllys Castle
his small Norman motte and bailey castle with a round tower on top of an artificial mound overlooks the river Llynfi and provides excellent views over the countryside. The area where the castle stands became the property of Bernard de Newmarch a few years after the Norman Conquest. The land for the castle was given to Richard fitz Pons and he or his son Walter, who took the name Clifford, constructed the castle in the early twelfth century. Part of the round tower still survives.| County | Powys, Wales (11 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Stone |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 52.0036926,-3.2406371 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Stone |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 52.0036926,-3.2406371 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Brough Castle
rough Castle was built on an existing Roman site by William Rufus in around 1090. Destroyed by William the Lion in 1174. The castle became the property of the Clifford family and Lady Anne Clifford repaired the buildings in the seventeenth century but after her death the castle was abandoned and the stones were robbed to build other buildings in the area. Some sections of the curtains walls and keep remain.| County | Cumbria, England (6 castles) | Categories | Stone |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | At any reasonable time |
| Location | 54.52176,-2.3244 (Google Maps) ///campfires.dictation.finer | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Stone |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
At any reasonable time |
| Location |
| 54.52176,-2.3244 ///campfires.dictation.finer |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Broughton Castle
rougton Castle is an excellent example of a fortified manor house. This rectangular castle was first built by the Broughton family in middle or late thirteenth century at the centre of a lake created when a brook was dammed up. The main defence of the castle is the lake surrounding it. Access to the castle is via a causeway and through a strong gate-tower. Sir Thomas Wykeham inherited the castle from his father Bishop William of Wykeham who bought the castle. Sir Thomas was granted a 'licence to crenellate' enabling his to greatly improve the structure and defences of the castle.| County | Oxfordshire, England (8 castles) | Categories | Fortified Manor House / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Excellent remains | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Comments | Limited access to this castle as it is privately owned. | ||
| Location | 52.04063,-1.391994 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Fortified Manor House / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Excellent remains |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Comments |
Limited access to this castle as it is privately owned. |
| Location |
| 52.04063,-1.391994 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Bryn Amlwg Castle
ound marked on map. No other information.| County | Shropshire, England (13 castles) | Categories | Pre Medieval |
| Remains | Earthworks only | Access | Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 52.453027,-3.226565 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Pre Medieval |
| Remains |
Earthworks only |
| Access |
Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 52.453027,-3.226565 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Location Map (click to explore)
Bungay Castle
emains of the twin-tower gatehouse and some sections of curtain walls.| County | Suffolk, England (5 castles) | Categories | Stone / Royal and Baronial castle |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 52.455984,1.436105 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Stone / Royal and Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 52.455984,1.436105 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Burley Castle
inor remains of a motte and bailey castle. No information and possibly on private land.| County | Rutland, England (1 castle) | Categories | Motte & Bailey |
| Remains | Earthworks only | Access | Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 52.69741,-0.678542 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
| Remains |
Earthworks only |
| Access |
Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 52.69741,-0.678542 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Buttercrambe Castle
ossible remains of a motte and bailey castle located a few miles to the north east of York on a hill overlooking the River Derwent.| County | North Yorkshire, England (11 castles) | Categories | Motte & Bailey |
| Remains | Earthworks only | Access | Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location | 54.01641,-0.882823 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
| Remains |
Earthworks only |
| Access |
Unknown - Please check before visiting |
| Location |
| 54.01641,-0.882823 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Bywell Castle
ocated on the side of the River Tyne on the edge of Bywell village. All that remains of the castle is the rectangular gatehouse and part of the curtain wall. The gatehouse with three floors and an entrance at the centre was protected by a portcullis. A plan of the building shows vaulted rooms on each side of the central passage and a staircase leading to the upper floors at the end of that passage. The remains are privately owned and not normally open to the public.| County | Northumberland, England (15 castles) | Categories | Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | No Access - Private |
| Location | 54.9505,-1.9248 (Google Maps) | Directions | N/A |
| County |
| Categories |
Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
No Access - Private |
| Location |
| 54.9505,-1.9248 |
| Directions |
| N/A |
Selection of references used:
- 1: Derek Renn, Norman Castles, 1968, John Baker Publishers Ltd (1968), Own Copy
- 2: John Guy, Castles in Sussex, 1984, ISBN:ISBN-0-85033-523-X, Philimore & Co, Ltd - The Camelot Press Ltd (1984)
A Medieval Mystery
There appear to be some strange connections between the fourteenth century Old Wardour Castle and ancient stone circle Stonehenge.
1: Location
Old Wardour Castle appears to be aligned to ancient sites in the Stonehenge landscape.
2: Alignment
Stonehenge is aligned to the Summer Solstice. Old Wardour has a very similar alignment.
3: Size
Could the builders of Old Wardour used mesaurements from Stonehenge to layout the geometrical keep?
Learn More
