Castlethorpe Castle, Medieval motte-and-bailey castle in Castlethorpe, England.
Castlethorpe Castle is a medieval motte-and-bailey fortification consisting of a raised earthen mound with two adjoining defensive enclosures positioned on common land northwest of the church. The site overlooks the River Tove valley and remains visible as a prominent feature in the landscape.
The castle was built in the 11th century by Winemar the Fleming as a defensive structure in this region. It was destroyed in 1215 during the First Barons' War by Faulkes de Breauté and never rebuilt.
The name Castlethorpe comes from Old English and refers to a settlement that grew around this medieval fortification. The village developed in connection with the castle and shaped how people used the surrounding land.
The site lies about 5 miles northwest of Milton Keynes and can be reached via the A5 road through Castlethorpe village. Wear sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and climbing the mound requires some effort.
The inner fortification covers a substantial area and was once surrounded by deep defensive ditches that provided extra protection. These ditches are partly still visible today and help explain how formidable the original structure was.
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