Old Warden Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Warden Castle |
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| Quince Hill | |
| Old Warden, Bedfordshire, England | |
 Old Warden Castle
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| Coordinates | 52°05′15″N 0°20′33″W / 52.08740°N 0.34244°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Earthworks |
Old Warden Castle, also known as Quince Hill, is a historic site in the village of Old Warden. This village is found in the county of Bedfordshire, England.
Today, you won't see a tall castle building. Instead, only earthworks remain. These are like bumps and ditches in the ground. Locals often call these remains Quints or Quince Hill. In 1995, the site became a Scheduled Monument. This means it's a very important historical place protected by law.
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What Kind of Castle Was It?
Historians are not completely sure about the exact type of castle Old Warden was. It might have been a motte castle. A motte castle has a large mound of earth (the motte) with a tower on top. It also has a fenced courtyard (the bailey) below.
Or Was It a Ringwork?
Another idea is that Old Warden Castle was a ringwork. A ringwork is a type of early castle. It has a circular or oval bank of earth and a ditch around it. This would have protected a wooden fort or buildings inside.
A Glimpse into the Past
The site of Old Warden Castle has a long history. People have found much older remains there. These include items from the Roman period. There are also signs of Celtic people who lived in Britain even before the Romans arrived. This shows the area has been important for a very long time.
What Are Earthworks?
When we talk about castle earthworks, we mean the parts of the castle made from earth. These are often mounds, ditches, and banks. They were built for defense. Over hundreds of years, the wooden or stone parts of a castle might disappear. But the earthworks often remain. They give us clues about how the castle was built and used.
Why Are Earthworks Important?
Earthworks are like giant puzzles for archaeologists. By studying them, experts can figure out where walls stood. They can also learn where towers or other buildings might have been. This helps us imagine what the castle looked like long ago.
Protecting Our History
Old Warden Castle is a Scheduled Monument. This is a special status given to important historical sites. It means the site is protected by the government. No one can dig there or change it without special permission. This helps make sure these valuable historical places are preserved for future generations.
