Penstowe Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Penstowe Castle |
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| Kilkhampton, Cornwall, England | |
The 'motte' (mound) of Penstowe Castle
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 Penstowe Castle
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| Coordinates | 50°52′37″N 4°29′58″W / 50.87694°N 4.49931°W |
| Type | Motte-and-bailey |
Penstowe Castle, also known as Kilkhampton Castle, was a medieval fortification (a strong building for defense) located near Kilkhampton, Cornwall, England. It was likely built during a difficult time in the 12th century called the Anarchy, which was a civil war.
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What is Penstowe Castle?
Penstowe Castle was a type of castle called a motte and bailey. This design was very common in England after the Norman Conquest. It had two main parts:
- A motte was a large earth mound, often with a wooden or stone tower on top.
- A bailey was a walled courtyard or enclosure, usually next to the motte, where soldiers and people lived.
The castle was built on a small hill, which gave it natural protection. It had steep slopes on its north and south sides, making it harder for enemies to attack.
How Big Was Penstowe Castle?
Today, the motte of Penstowe Castle looks like an oval mound. It measures about 18 meters (about 59 feet) by 8 meters (about 26 feet) across. It stands between 6 meters (about 20 feet) and 9 meters (about 30 feet) high.
The inner bailey, which was the main courtyard, was about 30 meters (about 98 feet) by 25 meters (about 82 feet). There was also an outer bailey, measuring 24 meters (about 79 feet) by 20 meters (about 66 feet). This unusual layout with two baileys is similar to another nearby castle called Eastleigh Berries Castle.
Archaeologists found that a D-shaped building once stood on top of the motte.
Who Built Penstowe Castle and When?
The exact date Penstowe Castle was built is not completely clear. However, historians believe it was constructed in the mid-12th century during the Anarchy. This was a period of civil war in England (from 1135 to 1153) when different groups fought for control of the country.
The castle might have been built by Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester. He was a powerful lord who owned the land in Kilkhampton. Another possibility is that it was built by the Grenville family, who were relatives of Robert and held the land from him. One person from the Grenville family, Sir Richard I de Grenville, who also owned Neath Castle in Wales, might have been involved.
The Grenville family lived in a large house nearby called Stowe House. This house was later rebuilt in a grand style in 1679 by John Granville, 1st Earl of Bath.
What Happened to Penstowe Castle?
Over time, castles like Penstowe often fell into ruin as they were no longer needed for defense. Today, Penstowe Castle is not a complete building. It is mainly the earthworks (the mounds and ditches) that remain.
Archaeological digs were done at the site in 1925 and again in the early 1950s. These excavations helped experts learn more about the castle's structure and history.
In the 21st century, Penstowe Castle is a protected site. It is recognized as a scheduled monument under law. This means it is an important historical place that is protected from damage and changes, so future generations can learn from it.
