Ellesmere Castle facts for kids
Ellesmere Castle was once a strong fortress located in the town of Ellesmere, in the county of Shropshire, England. It stood on a high hill, looking out over a beautiful lake called the Mere. This castle played an important role in the history of the area.
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What Was Ellesmere Castle?
Ellesmere Castle was a type of early castle known as a motte and bailey castle. This design was very popular after the Norman Conquest.
Parts of a Motte and Bailey Castle
- Motte: This was a large, steep mound of earth. The main wooden tower or keep was built on top of it. This high position made it hard for enemies to attack.
- Bailey: This was a large, enclosed courtyard at the base of the motte. It was surrounded by a wooden fence called a palisade and a ditch. The bailey held buildings like stables, workshops, and homes for soldiers and workers.
This design was quick to build and offered good protection.
A Castle with Many Owners
Ellesmere Castle was likely built by Roger de Montgomerie, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury not long after the Normans took over England in 1066. He was a powerful Norman lord.
Over the years, the castle changed hands many times.
- Early Owners: King Henry I gave the castle to the Peverel family.
- Royal Control: Later, King Henry II took the castle back. Around 1177, he gave it to Dafydd ab Owain Gwynedd, who was a powerful Welsh prince from Gwynedd.
- Back and Forth: For many decades, the castle was often fought over. It switched between being controlled by the English kings and Welsh princes. This showed how important Ellesmere was as a border stronghold.
- Le Strange Family: By the 1240s, the castle finally passed to the le Strange family, who came from Knockin, another place in Shropshire. They held the castle for a long time.
The Castle's End
Ellesmere Castle was eventually destroyed during the English Civil War. This war took place in the mid-1600s and was a conflict between supporters of the King and supporters of Parliament. Many castles across England were damaged or pulled down during this time to prevent them from being used by the opposing side.
Ellesmere Castle Today
Today, you won't see a grand castle standing on the hill. The motte, which was the large mound, is now covered with trees. At the very top of the mound, where the castle tower once stood, there is now a bowling green. It's a peaceful spot where people can enjoy a game, unaware of the busy history beneath their feet.
