Dunham Castle, Medieval motte-and-bailey castle in Dunham Massey, England.
Dunham Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification with an earthen mound measuring about 24 meters across and standing roughly 2 meters tall. The mound is now surrounded by an ornamental lake that historically served as a defensive moat.
The site was first recorded in 1173 when Hamon de Massey held it during a revolt against King Henry II. It gradually fell into disuse and was abandoned by 1362.
The site reflects how Norman settlers established control through military structures that dominated the landscape. People today can see how this fortification once represented power and authority in the region.
The castle mound is situated within the National Trust property at Dunham Massey and remains freely accessible to visitors. Wear comfortable shoes as the ground is uneven and can become slippery after rain.
The former moat was gradually transformed into a decorative garden lake over centuries, showing how the site shifted from military use to ornamental landscape. This conversion reveals how medieval structures adapted as their strategic importance faded.
Location: Dunham Massey
GPS coordinates: 53.38270,-2.39957
Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:50
Dunham Massey Hall
45 m
Dunham Massey Hall sundial
21 m
Watch Hill Castle
1.8 km
Temple to west of Dunham Hall
358 m
Bollington Mill
568 m
Sawmill
153 m
Deer House
817 m
Langham Grove Obelisk
410 m
Bridgewater Canal Aqueduct And Adjoining Bridge 1/4 Mile South Of Woodhouse Lane Aqueduct
670 m
Carriage House immediately to south of kitchen courtyard
87 m
Dunham Town War Memorial
735 m
Pier at south east corner of forecourt garden
92 m
Dunham School Bridge
923 m
Charcoal Lodge
1 km
Stables to south of Hall
105 m
The Peak on The Mount
112 m
Pier at south west corner of forecourt garden
112 m
Stables To West Of Barn Cottages
185 m
Manor Farmhouse with forecourt railings and gates
1.2 km
Slaughterhouse
587 m
The Village Farmhouse including gatepiers
1.2 km
Dunham School
899 m
Two small piers at south of garden forecourt
94 m
2 piers and lakeside wall (including the entire length which has a moulded coping)
96 m
Wellhouse and adjoining root arbour
166 m
Orangery
123 m
Freestanding pier to north west corner of garden forecourt
62 m
Gateway in bounding wall opposite kitchen gardens
257 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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