FitzHarris Castle
Appearance
FitzHarris Castle | |
---|---|
Oxfordshire, England | |
![]() Plan of the castle | |
Coordinates | 51°40′29″N 1°17′00″W / 51.6746°N 1.2833°W |
Grid reference | grid reference SU496975 |
Type | Motte |
Site information | |
Owner | Local authority |
Open to the public | Yes |
Condition | Earthworks |
Site history | |
Built | between 1071 and 1084 |
Built by | Owen |
In use | 1084 - c. 1247 |
Fate | Demolished |
FitzHarris Castle was a medieval castle located near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England.
History
[edit]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
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Preston, p.168.
- ^ Preston, p.167.
- ^ Preston, pp.168–9.
- ^ Heritage At Risk Register 2010, English Heritage, p.63, accessed 11 June 2011.
Bibliography
[edit]- Preston, A. E. (1934) "A Moated Mound at Abingdon, Berks," The Berkshire Archaeological Journal 38, pp. 167–170.