Montacute Castle, Medieval motte-and-bailey castle in Montacute, Somerset, England
Montacute Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle located on St Michael's Hill in Somerset, featuring an oval-shaped motte with inner and outer baileys. The remaining earthworks and defensive structures clearly display the medieval military design of the fortification.
Robert of Mortain built the castle after the Norman Conquest of 1066, establishing it as one of only two Somerset castles mentioned in the Domesday Book. The site's importance shifted when it took on religious purposes in the following century.
The site connects to Anglo-Saxon religious traditions through the discovery of a sacred cross that predates the Norman Conquest of England. This link to early spiritual history continues to shape how visitors understand the place today.
The castle grounds are accessible via marked pathways and offer clear views of the earthworks spread across the hilltop. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing for the weather, as the exposed location is subject to changing conditions.
In 1102 William of Mortain transferred the castle to the Cluniac order, marking an unusual shift from military stronghold to religious property. This transformation demonstrates how the site's purpose and use underwent complete change across the centuries.
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