FitzHarris Castle

Last updated

FitzHarris Castle
Oxfordshire, England
FitzHarris Castle.jpg
Plan of the castle
Oxfordshire UK location map.svg
Red pog.svg
FitzHarris Castle
Coordinates 51°40′29″N1°17′00″W / 51.6746°N 1.2833°W / 51.6746; -1.2833
Grid reference grid reference SU496975
Type Motte
Site information
OwnerLocal authority
Open to
the public
Yes
Condition Earthworks
Site history
Builtbetween 1071 and 1084
Built byOwen
In use1084 - c.1247
FateDemolished

FitzHarris Castle was a medieval castle located near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England.

Contents

History

FitzHarris Castle was built near Abingdon between 1071 and 1084 in the aftermath of the Norman invasion of England by a probable Norman knight called Owen. [1] The castle formed a motte, 78 ft by 68 ft across, protected by a stream that flowed around the motte to produce a moat. [2] In due course the castle was supplemented by the nearby manor house called FitzHarry's, but a keep remained on the motte as late as 1247, probably for defensive purposes. [3]

The castle is now owned by the local authority but is considered by English Heritage to be at risk from erosion due to visitor numbers. [4] The site is a scheduled monument.

See also

References

  1. Preston, p.168.
  2. Preston, p.167.
  3. Preston, pp.168–9.
  4. Heritage At Risk Register 2010 , English Heritage, p.63, accessed 11 June 2011.

Bibliography

51°40′27″N1°17′03″W / 51.6741°N 1.2841°W / 51.6741; -1.2841