FitzHarris Castle, Norman castle ruins in Abingdon, England
FitzHarris Castle is a Norman fortification in Oxfordshire with a motte rising about 9 feet, surrounded by ditch remains that were fed by a stream running through the site. The earthworks sit within a modern residential area and are protected as a scheduled monument.
The fortress was built between 1071 and 1084 by Norman knight Owen as a defensive stronghold. By 1247 it was sold to Abingdon Abbey, marking the end of its use as a military installation.
The site shows Norman building methods and defense designs that spread across England after 1066. Visitors can see how such fortifications were placed within the local landscape.
The earthworks are visible from the surrounding residential streets and easy to approach from multiple angles. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and paths are informal.
The last owner, Hugh FitzHarry, barricaded himself inside during a feast and delayed the sale to the abbey. This unusual incident is one of the few personal accounts that survives from the castle's occupation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
