Lidgate Castle, Medieval motte and bailey castle in Lidgate, England
Lidgate Castle is a medieval motte and bailey fortification with a square mound about 20 meters across, featuring two protective platforms and a main fortified enclosure. A ditch roughly 20 meters wide surrounds the entire structure.
The fortress was built around 1143 during a period of civil conflict and power struggles in England. It served as an assertion of authority during this turbulent time.
St. Mary's Church, built within the fortified area during the 13th century, shows how the needs of the medieval community shifted over time. The church still stands at the center of the site today and shapes how visitors experience the place.
The site features deep ditches that require careful attention when exploring the fortification. Check local access arrangements ahead of your visit and wear appropriate footwear for navigating the uneven terrain.
The square design of this fortress is unusual for castles of that period, setting it apart from the rounded mounds typical of other English fortifications. This layout suggests deliberate choices in how the fortification was planned.
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