Castlelost Castle facts for kids
Castlelost Castle (which means "castle of the losset" in Irish) is an old, ruined castle in County Westmeath, Ireland. It's found near a village called Rochfortbridge. This castle is a special type called a motte-and-bailey castle.
Castlelost Castle was built a very long time ago, around the late 1100s. This was when the Normans first came to Ireland. Some people believe a man named Hugh Tyrrel built it. The Tyrrel family owned this castle for many centuries, right up until the 1600s. During big wars in the 1600s, the Tyrrel family lost the castle and the land around it.
Contents
The Castle's History
When the Normans Arrived
Castlelost Castle was built during an important time in Irish history. This was when the Normans, who were people from France, came to Ireland. They built many castles like Castlelost to help them control the new lands.
What is a Motte-and-Bailey Castle?
A motte-and-bailey castle was one of the first types of castles built.
- A motte is a big, tall mound of earth. The main tower or keep would sit on top of this mound.
- A bailey is a large, fenced-off courtyard at the bottom of the motte. This area would have houses, stables, and workshops.
These castles were quick to build and offered good protection.
The Tyrrel Family's Home
For hundreds of years, Castlelost Castle was home to the powerful Tyrrel family. They lived there from the 1100s all the way through the 1500s. This shows how important the castle was to their family and their power in the area.
Losing the Castle
In the 1600s, Ireland went through many conflicts and wars. During these troubled times, the Tyrrel family lost control of Castlelost Castle and their lands. This was a common story for many families during that period.
What You Can See Today
Ruins of the Past
Today, Castlelost Castle is mostly a ruin. You can still see parts of the old tower house. This was likely the main building where the castle's lord lived.
The Motte and Bailey
Even though the castle is ruined, you can still spot the remains of the motte. This is the big mound of earth where the main tower once stood. You can also see traces of the bailey, which was the castle's courtyard. These features help us imagine what the castle looked like long ago.
A Protected Site
Castlelost Castle, along with its motte and bailey, is an important historical site. It is listed on the Record of Monuments and Places for County Westmeath. This means it is protected so that future generations can learn about its history.
