Chalgrave Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chalgrave Castle |
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| Toddington, Bedfordshire, England | |
 Chalgrave Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°56′10″N 0°32′01″W / 51.9360°N 0.5337°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Condition | No visible remains |
Chalgrave Castle was an old timber castle located near the village of Toddington in Bedfordshire, England. It was a special type of castle known as a motte and bailey. This castle was built in the 11th century, around the year 1086. By the 13th century, it was no longer used. Today, nothing of the castle can be seen on the surface.
Contents
What Was Chalgrave Castle?
Chalgrave Castle was a defensive structure. It was made mostly of wood. Castles like this were important in medieval times. They helped control land and protect people.
A Look at Motte and Bailey Castles
A motte and bailey castle was a common type of early castle. It had two main parts:
- A motte was a large earth mound. On top of this mound, a wooden tower or keep was built. This tower was the strongest part of the castle.
- A bailey was a walled courtyard. It was usually at the base of the motte. The bailey held buildings like stables and homes. A wooden fence or wall called a palisade protected it.
Chalgrave Castle was built in two stages. This means its construction happened over time.
When Was It Built and Used?
Chalgrave Castle was built during the 11th century. This was around the year 1086. This time period was soon after the Norman Conquest of England. Many motte and bailey castles were built then. They helped the new rulers secure their control.
However, Chalgrave Castle did not last forever. By the 13th century, it was no longer in use. Many timber castles were replaced by stronger stone castles over time.
What Remains Today?
Sadly, there are no visible parts of Chalgrave Castle left today. The site was excavated by archaeologists in 1970. This means they carefully dug up the area to find clues about the past. After the excavation, the site was completely leveled. This means the land was made flat. So, you cannot see any ruins or mounds where the castle once stood.
