Wigmore Castle

Wigmore Castle is a medieval fortification set on a prominent earthwork mound surrounded by deep defensive ditches and stone walls that once rose several feet high. The remains show traces of fortified towers and reinforced positions that once controlled the surrounding landscape.

William FitzOsbern established this fortification in 1070 following the Norman Conquest as a key defensive stronghold. The site later became the primary seat of the powerful Mortimer family, who maintained control over it for several centuries.

The castle served as a gathering place where local nobility conducted their affairs and displayed their power through events and hospitality. Walking through the ruins today, you can sense how central this fortification was to the region's medieval social life.

Access to the site requires walking uphill from the village through woodland on uneven paths and steep terrain. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for a moderate climb to reach the castle ruins.

Sections of the original stone walls lie buried beneath accumulated soil and rubble, creating an unusual archaeological deposit that reveals how medieval construction actually worked. This hidden preservation offers rare insight into building techniques that are rarely visible in other ruins.

Location: Wigmore

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wigmore-castle

GPS coordinates: 52.31790,-2.86874

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40