Bury Mount facts for kids
Bury Mount Motte is what's left of an old motte and bailey castle. It's like a mini-mountain made of earth, built long ago for protection. This special site is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which means it's protected by law because it's so important to history. Experts think Bury Mount was built around the 11th century by the Normans. Over many years, it wasn't looked after, but its remains still tell a story.
Contents
Where to Find Bury Mount
Bury Mount is located in Moat Lane in the historic town of Towcester, England. This town was once a Roman settlement. The mount sits right on the old Roman road called Watling Street, which is now the A5 main road. This road used to connect places like Dover and London.
The castle was built in a very smart spot. It could watch over important travel routes and river crossings. Other similar earthwork castles, called mottes, are found nearby in places like Northampton and Buckingham. Bury Mount specifically controlled where Watling Street met another major route. This route went from Southampton to Stamford. Today, these routes are the A34 and A43 main roads. You can find Bury Mount on the north-east side of the A5. It's next to the Towcester Town Hall and St Lawrence Church. You can also walk to it down Castle Lane, which is off Watling Street.
How Bury Mount Was Built
Bury Mount was a type of castle known as a motte and bailey. This design included a tall mound of earth, called a motte. There was also a smaller, enclosed area next to it, called a bailey. A large ditch surrounded both parts for extra protection.
The motte at Bury Mount might not have been the usual cone shape. Some historical records suggest it was built a bit differently. More details about its construction and recent restoration can be found on the South Northamptonshire Council's website.
A Look at Bury Mount's History
The castle was most likely built during a difficult time in English history. This period was called The Great Anarchy (1135–1152). During this time, King Stephen and Empress Maud were fighting for control of England. It was also around this time that the land around Towcester became owned by the St. Hiliary family.
The castle was a symbol of power for the local lord. It was also a home for his manager, called a bailiff or reeve. Soldiers and horsemen would stay there during times of trouble. It also offered a place to stay for the lord and his friends when they traveled. The tall motte, with a tower on top, acted as both a strong fort and a watchtower.
In the 15th century, records show there was a gate leading into the bailey area. This part of the castle would have been busy. It had living spaces for the castle's guard and a small group of permanent soldiers. There were also separate kitchens, a place to make drinks, barns for storing food, and stables for horses. There would have been toilets and a well for water. It was a crowded place, full of activity when many people were staying there.
Traditionally, earth mottes had wooden fences, called palisades, around their top. People would reach the top using a flying bridge or ladder. Inside these protected fences, there would have been a tall wooden tower. However, some digs at other mottes show they weren't all the same. Bury Mount might not have followed the standard design. In 1392, it was described as a "mound tower within a moat." This suggests it might have had a stone tower, as wooden towers were less common by then.
Around 1824, workers found a "subterranean arched passage fifteen yards in length." This happened when they were digging to build a cottage near the mount. These old records suggest Bury Mount might be similar to a rare type of motte found at South Mimms. At South Mimms, the tower was built *inside* the mound, and you entered the castle through a tunnel. If Towcester's motte is like this, it's a very special and rare find!
In 1392, when Reginald de Grey owned the manor, a record was made. It showed the main hall of the manor castle was inside the site. This hall would have hosted the bailiff and important guests. It was also where the local court met. The hall had rooms at both ends. The southern room, facing the gate, was likely the main upstairs room, called a solar. It had a stone roof. The other room had a thatched roof, possibly for the bailiff. Next to it was a separate kitchen and a stable. Both had thatched roofs made of straw. There were also two large barns, an oxhouse, a stable, a cart shed, a dovecote, and a sheepfold for 200 sheep.
By the late 15th century, the castle was likely empty. A new manor house was built in Park Street, Towcester. Part of this new building still stands today and is known as the Mint House.
During the winter of 1643-1644, Towcester became a base for the Royalist horse soldiers. These soldiers were led by Prince Rupert. The town was made stronger, and Bury Mount was changed to hold two cannons. When the Royalists left in the spring of 1644, the mount was probably damaged on purpose. After that, Bury Mount was used as an orchard and then as gardens for a small house built at its base. These cottages have since been taken down.
Restoring Bury Mount
In 2008, the remains of Bury Mount were restored. A new ramp was added to help people access it. The area around the River Tove and the mill stream was also improved. Information plaques were put up to explain the history.
From 2013 to 2016, the South Northamptonshire Council worked on a big project. It was called the Moat Lane Regeneration Scheme. This project focused on the Mount area. It included building the Forum, where the council moved its offices in 2015. New homes and small shops were also built. Older historic buildings and empty cottages in Moat Lane were also fixed up.
