Codnor Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Codnor Castle |
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| Aldercar and Langley Mill, Amber Valley, Derbyshire | |
Remains of Codnor Castle, viewed from the north-west
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 Codnor Castle
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| Coordinates | 53°02′43″N 1°21′17″W / 53.0454°N 1.3548°W |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | 13th century |
| Materials | stone |
| Official name: Codnor Castle | |
| Reference #: | 1007047 |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name: Remains of Codnor Castle, Castle Lane | |
| Designated: | 25 November 1963 |
| Reference #: | 1109025 |
| Managed by: | The Codnor Castle Heritage Trust |
| Website: | http://www.codnorcastle.co.uk/ |
Codnor Castle is a ruined castle in Derbyshire, England. It was built a long time ago, in the 13th century. This castle is a special historical site. It is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade II Listed Building. This means it's very important to history.
Contents
History of Codnor Castle
Who Built Codnor Castle?
Codnor Castle was first built by a knight named William Peverel. This happened after the Normans took over England. The castle was made of stone. It had a tall main tower called a keep. This tower had three floors.
The castle also had a strong outer wall, called a curtain wall, and a deep ditch around it. This ditch was like a moat. There were round towers on the sides of the wall. These towers helped protect the castle. An outer area, called a bailey, was added later.
Codnor Castle sits high up. It looks over the Erewash valley. From here, you can see parts of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The castle once had many trees on its eastern side. On the west side, there was a courtyard. This courtyard was very strong. It had huge round towers with battlements. Battlements are the parts of a castle wall with gaps for shooting. The outer walls also had arrow-loops. These were narrow openings for archers to shoot arrows through.
The Grey Family Takes Over
By 1211, the castle was owned by Henry de Grey. He was a descendant of a Norman knight. Henry's family became very important. They were known as the Lords Grey of Codnor.
Henry's son, Richard, lived in Codnor. He was a loyal supporter of King Henry III. Richard and his brother John even served the King in the Holy Land. John Grey was a brave soldier. He fought well in wars against Scotland. King Edward III liked him very much.
John Grey and another lord, William D'Eincourt, led all the knights from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. This was to protect the area from invaders. The last of this family line was Henry. He died during the time of King Henry VII. He did not have any children who could legally inherit his lands. So, he left parts of his land to his sons, Henry and Richard. He also left some to his wife, Katherine Stourton.
The Zouche Family Owns the Castle
The rest of the castle lands went to Henry Grey's aunt, Elizabeth Grey. In 1429, she married Sir John Zouche. He was the youngest son of the fourth Baron Zouche. Sir John Zouche of Codnor was an important local official three times. He was called the High Sheriff of Derbyshire.
The Zouche family owned Codnor Castle for 200 years. Then, in 1634, they sold the castle. They moved to Virginia in America.
The Last Resident: Sir Streynsham Master
Sir Streynsham Master bought the Codnor Castle estate in 1692. He was also a High Sheriff of Derbyshire. He is thought to be the last person to live in the castle. He lived there until he died in 1724.
Codnor Castle Today
Today, Codnor Castle is a fragile ruin. Only a few high walls remain. Many people visit these old walls. The castle site is owned by a private group. However, The Codnor Castle Heritage Trust helps manage public visits. You can contact the Trust to arrange a visit.
There are public footpaths that lead to the castle. You can walk from Codnor Market Place. There is an information board there. You can also walk from the east side, in the Erewash valley.
Discoveries at the Castle
In June 2007, the TV show Time Team did an archaeological dig at the castle. They found a perfectly preserved gold coin in the moat. It was a noble coin from the time of Henry V. This amazing coin is now on display. You can see it at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
The TV show Most Haunted Live! also visited the castle in 2017. They did a special live show about paranormal investigations. The show was broadcast in March 2018.
Images for kids
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View from south
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Codnor para niños
