Ballands Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ballands Castle |
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| Penselwood, Somerset | |
 Ballands Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°04′40″N 2°21′14″W / 51.0778°N 2.3540°W |
| Type | Motte and bailey |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Earthworks remain |
Ballands Castle was an old castle located near the village of Penselwood in Somerset, England. It was a special type of castle called a motte and bailey castle. These castles were very common in England after the Normans arrived.
What is Ballands Castle?
Ballands Castle was a motte and bailey castle. This means it had two main parts:
- A motte: This was a large mound of earth, often with a wooden tower on top. It was a strong place for soldiers to defend.
- A bailey: This was a larger, flat area next to the motte, surrounded by a ditch and a fence. It held buildings like stables, kitchens, and homes for the castle's people.
When Was It Built?
Ballands Castle was likely built after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. This was when William the Conqueror and his Norman army took control of England. They built many castles to help them keep power and control the land.
The castle is close to other Norman castles, like Cockroad Wood Castle and Castle Orchard. This suggests that Ballands Castle might have been part of a network of forts. These forts helped the Normans control the area around Penselwood.
What Remains Today?
Today, you can still see the remains of Ballands Castle. The motte (the earth mound) is about 5 meters (16 feet) tall and up to 9 meters (30 feet) wide. The bailey area is to the south of the motte. Both parts are still surrounded by the old ditches that once protected them.
The site of Ballands Castle is now a scheduled monument. This means it's a very important historical site protected by law. It helps us learn about England's past and how people lived long ago.
