Hampstead Norris Castle
| Hampstead Norris Castle | |
|---|---|
| Hampstead Norris, Berkshire, England | |
|
The motte of Hampstead Norris Castle | |
  Hampstead Norris Castle | |
| Coordinates | grid reference SU528760 |
| Type | Motte and bailey |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Earthworks |
Hampstead Norris Castle was a Norman castle in the village of Hampstead Norris, Berkshire, England.
History
Hampstead Norris Castle is a Norman motte and bailey castle overlooking the village of Hampstead Norris, Berkshire, England.[1] The motte is 25 m wide, and 4.2 m high, made of chalk.[2] The contours of the top suggest that a timber tower or defensive structure was built on the motte.[1] The site was originally believed to be a tumulus, until later work confirmed its Norman origins.[3] Local historian David Ford suspects that the castle may have been constructed after the Norman conquest of England by Theodoric the Goldsmith.[4]
Today the castle is surrounded by woodland and is a scheduled monument.[2]
See also
Bibliography
- Grinsell, L.V. (1939) "Berkshire Barrows, Part IV," Berkshire Archaeological Journal 43, pp. 9-21.
- Grinsell, L.V. (1936) "An Analysis and List of Berkshire Barrows," Berkshire Archaeological Journal 40, pp.20-58.
References
- 1 2 Monument No. 237298, National Monuments Record, English Heritage, accessed 14 June 2011.
- 1 2 Monument No. 237298, National Monuments Record, English Heritage, accessed 14 June 2011; Grinsell (1936), p.54.
- ↑ Grinsell (1936), p.54; Grinsell (1939), p.15.
- ↑ Hampstead Norris Castle, Royal Berkshire History, accessed 14 June 2011.
Coordinates: 51°28′50″N 1°14′28″W / 51.4805°N 1.2411°W