Stogursey Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Somerset, England
Stogursey Castle is a medieval fortification in Somerset featuring a motte-and-bailey design with a 60-meter-wide motte, two bailey enclosures, and a water-filled moat. The moat is fed by Stogursey Brook, which runs through the surrounding landscape.
The De Courcy family built this castle in the late 11th century as a defensive stronghold. King John ordered its destruction in 1215 and again in 1228, but the fortress survived both commands.
The name changed over time from "Stoke Courcy" to "Stogursey," reflecting the De Courcy family's long connection to this place. Walking around, you can still sense how a single family's legacy shaped the identity of the whole settlement.
The restored gatehouse has been managed by the Landmark Trust since 1981 and now serves as holiday accommodation. The location is easily accessible by car northwest of Bridgwater near the A39.
A 17th-century thatched cottage sits inside the medieval gatehouse, blending architectural styles from different centuries into one living space. This unusual combination shows how buildings have been adapted and reused over time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
