Pleshey Castle and town enclosure

The earthwork motte rises 15 meters above ground level, with its base encircled by a deep defensive ditch and connected to a fortified bailey area.

The castle construction occurred between 1096 and 1106, serving as the residence of Geoffrey de Mandeville who received the land from William the Conqueror.

The castle site reveals medieval architectural elements through excavated foundations of a chapel, great hall, kitchen, and private chambers from different construction periods.

Visitors can access the archaeological site year-round to examine the preserved earthworks and study the remains of medieval defensive engineering.

The castle motte ranks among the largest artificial hills of its type in Great Britain, measuring approximately 50 meters in diameter at its base.

Location: Pleshey

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 51.80460,0.41353

Latest update: March 24, 2025 15:23