Culverhay Castle, castle in Englishcombe, Somerset, England, UK
Culverhay Castle, also called Englishcombe Castle, is a medieval ringwork fortification in Somerset with earthworks, ditches, and stone remains at its site. The structure originally consisted of a central area surrounded by a circular bank and ditch, along with a round stone tower and a low wall that protected the interior.
The site was built between the late 11th and early 13th century, making it over 900 years old. An archaeologist named Nigel Pounds conducted excavations in 1938 that uncovered parts of the castle's history and led to its recognition as a protected monument today.
The name Englishcombe Castle comes from the village where it sits. The earthworks and ditches you see today show how medieval people built their fortifications using the materials they had available.
The site sits in the quiet village of Englishcombe in Somerset and is easy to locate by its position east of the local church. Access to the earthworks is open, but it is important to respect the protected site and avoid disturbing the ruins.
It is believed a deer park was attached to the castle, a large outdoor space used for hunting and leisure in medieval times. Such parks were common among wealthy landowners and show the site's importance beyond just defense.
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