Aslockton Castle facts for kids

Cranmer's Mound

Aslockton Castle is an old, ruined castle in the village of Aslockton, Nottinghamshire. It was a special type of castle called a motte-and-bailey castle. The village's old name, Aslachetone, suggests it might have been settled by Vikings long ago. This important place was even mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, which was a big survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror.

What is a Motte-and-Bailey Castle?

A motte-and-bailey castle was a common type of castle built in England after the Norman Conquest. It was usually made of wood and earth.

The Motte

The "motte" was a large, tall mound of earth. At Aslockton, this mound is still 16 feet (about 5 meters) high today. A wooden tower and a strong wooden fence, called a palisade, would have stood on top of the motte. This high spot was great for looking out for enemies.

The Baileys

The "bailey" was a courtyard or enclosed area next to the motte. Aslockton Castle had two rectangular baileys: an inner bailey and an outer bailey. The inner bailey was probably where important buildings were. The smaller outer bailey was likely used for keeping farm animals safe.

The Moat

Around the castle, there was a moat, which was a deep ditch filled with water. The moat at Aslockton Castle would have been filled by a nearby stream. This water made it harder for attackers to reach the castle.

History of Aslockton Castle

This motte-and-bailey castle was built a very long time ago, probably in the 11th or early 12th century. We don't know the exact year it was built. Today, only the earthworks, which are the shapes left in the ground, can be seen.

Over time, the castle was no longer used as a fort. The land became a large farm called Saucer Farm. The old castle ditches were changed into fishponds, still fed by the stream. People even dug more channels and added sluice gates to control the water. Later, beautiful gardens were made around the ponds, and the old motte became a high spot for people to enjoy the view.

Cranmer's Mound

The motte, or mound, at Aslockton Castle is now known as Cranmer's Mound or Cranmer's Mount. It's named after Archbishop Cranmer, a very famous person who was born in Aslockton in 1489.

Local stories say that when Thomas Cranmer was a young boy, he used to sit on this high mound. From there, he could listen to the lovely bells of the nearby church in Whatton. Before it was called Cranmer's Mound, local people knew it as Bailey Hills. To the southeast of the mound, you can still see two rectangular areas with ditches. These were the sites of later houses where the Cranmer family lived.

The site of Aslockton Castle is now a scheduled monument. This means it's a very important historical place that is protected by law.

Images for kids

• 

  Cranmer's Mound