Miserden Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Miserden Castle |
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| Gloucestershire, England | |
Protective ditch and motte of Miserden Castle
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 Miserden Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°46′55″N 2°04′57″W / 51.78189°N 2.08256°W |
| Type | Motte and bailey |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Materials | Earthworks and stone |
Miserden Castle was an old castle located near the village of Miserden in Gloucestershire, England. It was a type of castle called a motte and bailey.
Contents
What is a Motte and Bailey Castle?
Miserden Castle was a large motte and bailey castle. This was a common type of castle built in England after the Normans arrived.
The Motte
The "motte" part of the castle was a big earth mound. It was often shaped like a cone. A wooden or stone tower would sit on top of this mound. This high position made it easy to defend.
The Bailey
The "bailey" was a large, flat area next to the motte. It was usually surrounded by a wooden fence or a stone wall. This area held buildings like homes, stables, and workshops. People and animals would live safely inside the bailey.
History of Miserden Castle
Miserden Castle was built a long time ago, before the year 1146. A man named Robert Musard built it. The nearby village of Miserden is actually named after his family!
Castle Location and Defenses
The castle was built in a smart spot. It overlooked the River Frome. This gave it a natural defense. The castle also had a wide shell keep. A shell keep is a stone wall built around the top of the motte. It was like a strong stone ring.
The castle was also protected by a moat. A moat is a deep ditch, often filled with water. The north side of Miserden Castle was likely flooded from the river. This made the moat even stronger. The castle was on a rocky spur, which also helped protect it.
The Anarchy and the Castle's Fate
During a time known as the Anarchy, England had a civil war. This was a period of fighting over who should be king. Robert Musard, the castle's builder, was killed during this time. He was fighting against King Stephen.
After Musard's death, Philip of Gloucester took control of the castle. Even with all the fighting, Miserden Castle survived for many years. It was still standing in the 13th century. Today, you can still see some of its old earthworks. These are the remains of the big earth mounds and ditches. You can also see some stone structures.
