Baynard's Castle, Medieval castle in City of London, England
Baynard's Castle was a fortification positioned at the confluence of the River Fleet and Thames, with sections of Roman walls incorporated into its northern defenses. The structure utilized these ancient stone foundations to form a defensive complex directly beside the river.
The castle was founded in 1017 by Ralph Baynard and remained standing until 1213, when King John ordered its destruction during disputes with a baronial opponent. Following this demolition, the site was not rebuilt as a military stronghold but served other purposes afterwards.
The second fortress functioned as a royal residence where major ceremonies of power took place, marking it as a site where English succession was determined. These events made the location significant for understanding medieval English rule and authority.
The archaeological remains lie beneath modern office buildings near Blackfriars station in central London, making the site difficult to access directly. Visitors can observe the location from street level, though the actual foundations remain underground.
The fortress incorporated Roman river walls dating from the 3rd century into its structure, demonstrating how ancient materials were repurposed for medieval defenses. This reuse of older stonework was a common building practice in early medieval London.
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