Oswestry Castle, Motte-and-bailey castle ruins in Oswestry, England
Oswestry Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortress in the English town of Oswestry featuring a mound rising approximately 12 meters high with remains of a stone keep from medieval times. The earthworks and stone foundations form a clear outline of how the Norman stronghold once protected the surrounding landscape.
The site was founded by Rainald, who held the position of Sheriff of Shropshire, and first appears in records around 1086 under the name Castelle Lurve. It stood at a crossroads that gave control over the surrounding lands and trade routes.
The castle grounds serve as an educational resource for local schools, enabling students to learn about medieval architecture and defensive structures in England.
The ruins are accessible through public pathways near the center of Oswestry and other local heritage sites in the area. Visiting during dry weather makes it easier to explore the grassy slopes without slipping or getting muddy.
An inventory from 1398 lists specific rooms inside the fortress including a hall, kitchen, larder, and a chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This detailed record offers rare insight into the daily life and religious practices of those living within the walls.
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