Denham Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Denham Castle |
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| Gazeley, Suffolk, England | |
Earthwork remains of Denham Castle
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 Denham Castle
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| Coordinates | 52°14′09″N 0°33′25″E / 52.2357°N 0.5569°E |
| Type | Motte and bailey |
| Site information | |
| Owner | The Denham Estate |
| Open to the public |
No, but closely viewable from public path |
| Condition | Earthworks remain |
| Site history | |
| Materials | Earth and timber |
Denham Castle, also called Castle Holes, is a medieval castle located near Gazeley, Suffolk, England. This type of castle is known as a motte and bailey. When it was first built, it was also known as Desning Castle.
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History of Denham Castle
Denham Castle was built by the Normans in the 12th century. It was designed as a "motte and bailey" castle. A motte is a large, man-made dirt hill, and the bailey is a courtyard next to it. Both were protected by a wide ditch.
Castle Design and Features
The motte at Denham Castle is about 10 feet high today. It is located in the north-east part of the castle area. The entire castle site, including the motte and bailey, is surrounded by a wide ditch. This ditch measures about 132 meters by 122 meters across. The main entrance to the castle was on the south side.
A Time of Civil War
The castle was likely most important during a period of civil war in England. This war happened after Stephen of Blois became king instead of Matilda, who was King Henry I's daughter. Many powerful people in Suffolk supported Stephen during this time.
The Castle's Decline
Later, Stephen agreed that Matilda's son, Henry, would be his heir. When Stephen died in 1154, Henry became King Henry II. The new king decided to weaken many powerful nobles in Suffolk. These nobles had supported Stephen during the civil war.
Because of this, Denham Castle was probably "slighted." This means parts of the castle were deliberately damaged so it could not be used for defense. However, the main hall and other buildings inside the bailey likely remained. People continued to live at the site until the 1300s.
Later Years and Preservation
It is thought that the plague caused the castle site to be abandoned. The owners moved about a mile west to a place called Desning Hall. Desning Hall itself was torn down in the 1980s.
Today, Denham Castle is a scheduled monument. This means it is a nationally important historical site protected by law. Even though modern farming has caused some damage, the current owners are working to restore and protect the site. They are working with English Heritage, a group that helps preserve historic places.
Images for kids
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Plan and cross-section of Denham Castle in 1911
