Eaton Socon Castle

Eaton Socon Castle is a Norman ringwork with three baileys and a central motte, surrounded by a ditch near the River Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire. The remains are now integrated into the private gardens of Castle Hills House and display the characteristic double enclosure and moat system of the period.

Built around 1140 during the civil war between Stephen and Matilda, it served as an emergency fortification for Stephen's supporters. It arose during a period when rapid military structures were needed to secure territorial control.

The site contains pottery from the 1300s that shows people continued to live here long after it served its military purpose. These everyday objects reveal how the location transformed from a fortress into a residential space.

The site sits about a mile north of the A1/A428 interchange and forms part of private gardens, which limits public access. Visitors should check beforehand whether a visit is possible, as the remains lie on private property.

Archaeological digs revealed that Anglo-Saxon houses were demolished to make room for the double enclosure and moat system. This finding shows that an already settled location was chosen for the fortress, highlighting the site's strategic importance.

Location: St Neots

Architectural style: Norman architecture

GPS coordinates: 52.21590,-0.28402

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00