South Moreton Castle, Medieval motte-and-bailey castle in South Moreton, England.
South Moreton Castle is a medieval motte-and-bailey fortress in Oxfordshire with an artificial mound at its core and surrounding ditches forming part of its defensive works. The site displays the typical layout of these Norman fortifications with an elevated central stronghold and layered protective barriers.
The site was built in Norman style and appears in records from 1220, pointing to its foundation in the 12th century. It served to control the Thames Valley and may have played a role during the civil conflicts of that medieval period.
The location near St John the Baptist's Church shows how military strongholds and religious buildings shaped medieval village life together. Both structures served as focal points that organized the community around them.
Since the site is a protected monument, access is controlled by a private landowner and advance permission is required to visit. Visitors should expect limited signage and facilities, as the location remains situated within the countryside.
The site contains an extensive ditch system that underscores its importance in a strategically significant region. The scale and structure of these fortifications suggest a stronghold of more than just local importance.
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