Ashley Castle

Ashley Castle is a medieval ringwork fortification in Hampshire that survives today as earthwork defenses with deep ditches and raised ramparts. These structures sit above the Somborne valley and display the remains of what was once a fortified stronghold.

Henry de Blois, grandson of William the Conqueror and Bishop of Winchester, built the castle in 1138 during England's period of civil unrest. It served as a fortified position during a troubled time in the kingdom.

The castle served as an administrative center for the royal forest of West Bere, where official letters and proclamations were issued under the castle's name.

The site is accessible through the village of Ashley and allows visitors to explore the earthwork fortifications on foot. It is helpful to wear sturdy shoes, as the ground is uneven and can become slippery in wet conditions.

St Mary's Church from the early 12th century stands on the castle grounds and remains intact, while the castle walls have long since vanished. The survival of both structures shows how the use of this location changed over the centuries.