Richmont Castle, Medieval castle ruins in East Harptree, England.
Richmont Castle stands as ruins on a steep spur between two valleys, commanding views across the Chew Valley from its strategic hilltop location. Only fragments of the original structure remain visible today, scattered among thick vegetation that has grown over the site.
King Stephen captured the castle in 1138 during the civil war known as the Anarchy, after attempting to seize the nearby city of Bristol. The Newton family later dismantled stone from the castle between 1509 and 1547 to build their own manor house nearby.
The castle served as an administrative center for one of the four mining districts in the Mendips, overseeing lead and calamine extraction in the area. The site reflects how mining shaped the economic life of the medieval community.
The site sits on private land, so visitors should check local regulations before visiting as access may be restricted at certain times. The steep hillside climb requires reasonable fitness, and the thick vegetation means you will need to look carefully to spot the ruins.
The Newton family systematically removed large quantities of stone from the castle between 1509 and 1547 to construct their own manor house nearby. This extensive quarrying directly explains why so little of the original structure remains today.
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