Leafield Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leafield Castle |
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| Leafield, Oxfordshire, England | |
 Leafield Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°50′11″N 1°32′33″W / 51.83641°N 1.54262°W |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Earthworks only |
Leafield Castle, also known as Leafield Barrow, was once a type of castle called a motte castle. It was built in the village of Leafield in the north-west part of Oxfordshire, England. Today, you won't see a grand stone castle. All that remains are the earthworks (mounds and ditches made of earth) and a large earth mound. This mound was the main part of the castle.
The castle was built in a great spot. It had a commanding view of the area. It's about 220 meters north-west of the Church of St Michael and All Angels. Leafield Castle is quite similar in size and shape to another nearby castle, Ascot d'Oilly Castle.
What is a Motte Castle?
A motte castle was an early type of castle. It was popular in England after the Norman Conquest. The main part was a large earth mound, called a "motte." On top of this mound, a wooden or stone tower was built. This tower was called a "keep." Around the motte, there was usually a bailey (a fenced-in courtyard) where other buildings stood.
Exploring Leafield Castle's Remains
The main earth mound, or motte, at Leafield Castle is quite large. It measures about 38 meters across. It still stands up to 4 meters high today. The very top of the mound is flat and oval-shaped. It measures about 19.9 meters from north-west to south-east and 12 meters from south-west to north-east.
On this flat top, there's a square shape that measures about 10.9 meters across. Inside this square, there's a dip about 7.5 meters square and 0.3 meters deep. Experts believe this shows where the stone keep (the main tower) once stood. In 1828, when a nearby mound (a barrow) was opened, some old coins were found.
A Castle's Place in History
The village of Leafield is very old. It was already a known place by the 11th century. However, not many medieval buildings from that time are left in the village. Most houses were rebuilt much later.
Because the village is so old, it's likely that a castle was built here around the 11th century. This castle would have been important for protecting the village. It also would have had influence over the Wychwood Forest. This forest was a "royal forest," meaning it was owned by the king or queen. It was a very important place for hunting and for royal visits.
