Hangthwaite Castle facts for kids
Hangthwaite Castle was a special type of early castle built mostly from earth and wood. It was known as a motte and bailey castle. This castle was built in the 11th century by a person named Nigel Fozzard. You could find it just north of Scawthorpe, which is near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, England.
Over many years, the name of the castle changed. It was first called Langthwaite, but later became known as Hangthwaite. By the 13th century, a new strong building called Radcliffe Moat took its place as the main local defense. Today, only the earth mounds and ditches of Hangthwaite Castle can still be seen. These include a large mound called a motte, surrounded by a wide, wet ditch. This motte protected a bean-shaped area called a bailey and a smaller mound that might have been a barbican, which is like an extra defense at the entrance.
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What Was a Motte and Bailey Castle?
A motte and bailey castle was a very common type of castle built in England after the Norman Conquest. These castles were quick and easy to build, often using local materials like earth and wood.
Parts of the Castle
- Motte: This was a large, often cone-shaped, mound of earth. A wooden tower or keep would usually sit on top of the motte. This high position made it easier to defend and gave a good view of the surrounding area.
- Bailey: This was a larger, enclosed area next to the motte. It was usually surrounded by a wooden fence called a palisade and a ditch. The bailey held important buildings like stables, workshops, and homes for soldiers and servants.
- Ditches: Deep ditches, sometimes filled with water, surrounded both the motte and the bailey. These ditches made it harder for enemies to attack the castle.
Life Around the Castle
Right next to Hangthwaite Castle, there used to be a small village. Over time, this village became empty and is now known as a Deserted Medieval Village (DMV). These villages were once busy places but were abandoned for various reasons, like changes in farming or disease.
Today, the site of Hangthwaite Castle is protected as a "scheduled monument." This means it's an important historical site that is legally protected to make sure it's preserved for the future.
Local Connections
Many local people know the castle site as "Castle Hills." There's even a school nearby called Castle Hills Primary School, named after these historic mounds. This shows how the castle's history is still a part of the local community today.
