Cockroad Wood Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cockroad Wood Castle |
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| Charlton Musgrove, Somerset | |
Motte of Cockroad Wood Castle
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 Cockroad Wood Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°05′15″N 2°21′50″W / 51.0876°N 2.3640°W |
| Type | Motte and bailey |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Earthworks remain |
Cockroad Wood Castle is the site of an old castle in Somerset, England. It is located near the town of Wincanton and is part of the Charlton Musgrove area. Today, you can still see the remains of its earthworks.
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A Look Back at Cockroad Wood Castle
Cockroad Wood Castle was a special kind of castle called a motte and bailey castle. This type of castle was very popular after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. It was built by the Normans, who were new rulers in England.
What is a Motte and Bailey Castle?
A motte and bailey castle has two main parts. The "motte" is a large, tall mound of earth. A wooden tower or keep would have stood on top of this mound. This tower was a strong lookout point and a safe place to retreat.
The "bailey" is a large, flat area next to the motte. This area was usually surrounded by a wooden fence or wall and a ditch. It was where soldiers lived, and where stables and other buildings were located.
Why Was This Castle Built?
Cockroad Wood Castle was likely built soon after the Norman Conquest. It was close to other Norman castles like Ballands and Castle Orchard. Historians think these castles worked together. They formed a network of strongholds to control the local area. This helped the Normans keep their power and protect their lands.
By the year 1086, the land around the castle was owned by a powerful person named Walter of Douai. However, there are no old documents that talk directly about the castle itself. This means we learn about it mostly from what's left of the site.
The Castle's Design
The castle was built on a long, narrow ridge that runs from north to south. It had one main motte and two bailey areas. There might have been an entrance on the east side.
- The Motte: Today, the motte is about 13.5 meters (44 feet) wide. It stands up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) high. A ditch, about 1.25 meters (4 feet) deep, surrounds the motte. This ditch would have made it harder for enemies to attack.
- The Baileys: The two bailey areas were probably connected to the motte. They might have used wooden bridges to cross the ditches. These bridges could be pulled up or destroyed if enemies attacked.
What Remains Today?
Today, Cockroad Wood Castle is no longer a standing castle. Only the earthworks, which are the mounds and ditches, remain. These remains are very important for understanding history. Because of this, the site is now a scheduled monument. This means it is a nationally important historical site. It is protected by law to make sure it is not damaged.
