Penwortham Castle

Penwortham Castle is a Norman fortification located on the south bank of the River Ribble, with a motte (earthwork mound) standing as its main surviving feature. This raised earthwork once formed part of a larger defensive structure that controlled this important river crossing.

Roger of Poitou built the castle following the Norman conquest to protect a strategic ford and river crossing. The fortification served as a center of Norman control in this region near the Ribble estuary.

The castle site, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, maintained a community of burgesses, riding men, villeins, and cattle keepers.

The site can be reached through public pathways that lead to the motte, which remains the primary feature to explore. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground can be uneven and muddy, particularly after rain.

The castle appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, recorded as a settlement with a community of merchants, farmers, and livestock keepers. This entry reveals that the site was already an established center of commerce and daily life.

Location: Penwortham

GPS coordinates: 53.75580,-2.72260

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:25