Kingerby Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kingerby Castle |
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| Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, England | |
The early 19th century Kingerby Hall, built on the site of Kingerby Castle
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 Kingerby Castle
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| Coordinates | 53°25′17″N 0°24′45″W / 53.4214°N 0.4124°W |
| Type | Motte and bailey |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Destroyed, replaced by manor house and later house |
Kingerby Castle was once a castle located in a small village called Kingerby. This village is about five miles north-west of Market Rasen in Lincolnshire, England. Today, you won't find the castle there, but a different building stands in its place.
Contents
What Was Kingerby Castle?
Kingerby Castle was a type of early castle known as a motte and bailey castle. These castles were very common in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Understanding Motte and Bailey Castles
A motte and bailey castle had two main parts:
- The Motte: This was a large, raised earth mound. A wooden tower or keep was often built on top of it. This high position made it hard for enemies to attack.
- The Bailey: This was a flat area of land next to the motte. It was usually surrounded by a wooden fence called a palisade and a ditch. The bailey held important buildings like stables, workshops, and homes for soldiers and workers.
These castles were quick to build, often using local materials like wood and earth. They were important for controlling new lands and defending against attacks.
The Castle's End and What Came Next
Kingerby Castle had a dramatic end. In 1216, during a time of conflict, King John of England ordered the castle to be burnt down. King John was known for his disagreements with his barons and often used force to maintain control.
The Castle's Final Destruction
After being burnt, the castle was completely destroyed in December 1218. This meant it could no longer be used as a defensive structure.
From Castle to Hall
Once the castle was gone, the motte (the earth mound) was changed. It became a flat platform for a new building: a manor house. A manor house was a large country house, often the home of a lord or wealthy landowner. This manor house stood on the site for many centuries.
In 1812, the old manor house was taken down. In its place, a new building called Kingerby Hall was constructed. Kingerby Hall is still standing today, marking the spot where Kingerby Castle once proudly stood. It's a great example of how places change over hundreds of years.
