Dorstone Castle

Dorstone Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification located near the village of Dorstone in Herefordshire's Golden Valley. The earthwork remains rise several meters high and clearly show the typical two-part structure with a raised mound and its adjoining fortified enclosure.

The de Sollers family built this castle in the 12th century as a typical motte-and-bailey stronghold. King Henry IV later reinforced it in 1403 to defend against Welsh attacks.

The castle reflects early Norman military design and shows the defensive strategies that shaped the border region between England and Wales during the medieval period. These fortifications reveal how communities protected themselves in a contested landscape.

The site sits about 6 miles east of Hay-on-Wye and is clearly visible from outside. Visitors can examine the earthwork structures from different angles and understand how the fortification was laid out.

The castle was originally built in earth and timber and kept this material construction through the 13th century. This makes it unusual since many other Norman fortifications were later converted to stone.

GPS coordinates: 52.06850,-3.00511

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:24