Shotwick Castle, Medieval motte-and-bailey castle in Shotwick Park, Great Britain.
Description
Shotwick Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification in Shotwick Park that sits on a steep escarpment above the River Dee. The mound has a hexagonal shape at its summit, and beneath the turf lie the buried remains of a stone keep.
History
Hugh Lupus, Earl of Chester, built the fortification in 1093 to defend the border against Wales. It remained an important military position until peace with Wales was secured in 1281.
Culture
The shift from military stronghold to royal hunting ground after 1327 shows how noble purposes changed over time. People began to see the location as a retreat for sport rather than as a defensive need.
Practical
The site is difficult to reach and sits within private grounds with limited access. Visitors should inquire beforehand, as the remains blend naturally into the landscape and can be easy to miss.
Did you know?
Two steep watercourses flank the mound on its north and south sides and helped protect it. These channels were flooded by the river during high tides, creating an extra water barrier for defense.
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RAF Sealand
1.6 km
Shotwick House
883 m
St Michael's Church, Shotwick
1.8 km
Shotwick Hall
2 km
All Saints Church, Great Saughall
1.4 km
St Bartholomew's Church, Sealand
1.6 km
Churchyard boundary wall, Church of St Bartholomew
1.7 km
The Old Swinging Gate Inn
1.2 km
Bridge Farmhouse
1.1 km
Gates, gatepiers and churchyard wall along north side of Shotwick Lane
1.8 km
Front garden walls and gatepiers at Shotwick Hall
2 km
Tombchest of Robert and Martha Ellison, 10 metres southwest of south corner of tower of Church of St Michael
1.8 km
Manor Farmhouse
1.8 km
Tombchest of John Nevett Bennett, 5 metres west of south porch of St Michael's Church
1.8 km
Former kitchen or bakehouse attached to north east corner of Shotwick Hall
2 km
Sundial in the churchyard of St Michael
1.8 km
Greyhound Farmhouse
1.8 km
Tombchest of James Phillips, 2 metres south of the sundial in the Churchyard of St Michael
1.8 km
Granary 30 metres east of Shotwicklodge Farmhouse
941 m
L-shaped ranges of farm buildings 60 metres north of Shotwick Hall
2 km
Tombchest of Rev M Reay and 4 children, 8 metres south of south porch of Church of St Michael
1.8 km
Aldersey House
1.2 km
Tombchest of William Briscoe (died 1723) and others, 4 metres west of priest's door to St Michael's Church
1.8 km
Vicarage Farmhouse
1.8 km
North Pair of Aircraft Hangars
1.5 km
Tombchest of William Briscoe (died 1704) and others, 5 metres southwest of priest's door to St Michael's Church
1.8 km
South Pair of Aircraft Hangars
1.6 km
Footpath guidepost 25 metres south west of Bridge Farmhouse
1.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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