Allesley Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allesley Castle |
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| West Midlands, England | |
 Allesley Castle
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| Coordinates | 52°25′28″N 1°33′59″W / 52.4245°N 1.5665°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Earthworks |
Allesley Castle is an old castle located in Allesley, Coventry. It was once a type of castle called a motte and bailey castle. This means it had a large dirt mound, known as the motte, and a fenced-off area called a bailey.
Today, all that remains of Allesley Castle is its large mound. There is also a defensive ditch around it, which is about 45 meters (148 feet) wide. This ditch has some concrete blocks that might have been bases for bridges leading to the motte. The site is considered a special historical monument and is protected.
The Castle's Story
We don't have many old records or papers about Allesley Castle. This makes it hard to know its exact history.
When Was It Built?
Historians think the castle might have been built a very long time ago. It could have been as early as the 11th century (the 1000s). Another idea is that it was built around 1140. This was during a time in England called the Anarchy, when there was a big fight over who should be king.
Some people also wonder if it was built later, in the 14th century (the 1300s). A powerful person named Lord Hastings might have built it. He also built another castle, Fillongley Castle, about seven miles away.
When Did It Fall Apart?
Allesley Castle was probably already a ruin by 1387. In 1588, the castle was taken from its owner, Robert Fitch. By 1650, it was likely completely in ruins.
Experts from English Heritage believe that if the site were dug up, we could find old objects. These objects might tell us more about how the castle was built and its full story.
