Pilsbury Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pilsbury Castle |
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| Derbyshire, England | |
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Earthworks of Pilsbury Castle
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 Pilsbury Castle
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| Coordinates | 53°10′18″N 1°49′52″W / 53.171569°N 1.831167°W |
| Type | Motte-and-bailey |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Earthworks only remain |
| Site history | |
| Materials | Wood |
| Official name: Pilsbury Castle Hills motte and bailey castle | |
| Designated: | 13 October 1937 |
| Reference #: | 1011199 |
Pilsbury Castle was a Norman castle built in Derbyshire, England. It is located near the modern village of Pilsbury. The castle stood high above the River Dove.
Contents
What Was Pilsbury Castle?
Pilsbury Castle was likely built by the Normans. It was a type of castle called a motte-and-bailey. This kind of castle has a large mound (the motte) with a tower on top. Next to it is a walled area (the bailey) where people lived and worked.
The castle was built on high ground. This spot was perfect for watching over the River Dove. It was also near an important river crossing. The name "Pilsbury Castle" comes from three old words. Pil (Celtic), bury (Saxon), and castel (Norman) all mean "fortified site." This suggests the spot was used for defense for a very long time. It might have even been an Iron Age fort before the Normans arrived.
Who Built Pilsbury Castle?
Historians have a few ideas about who built Pilsbury Castle. It was probably built by a powerful Norman family called the de Ferrers.
After the Norman Conquest
One idea is that the castle was built soon after the Norman conquest of England. This happened in 1066 when King William took over England. The land around Pilsbury was given to a Norman lord named Henry de Ferrers. This area had been badly damaged during a time called the Harrying of the North. Henry might have built the castle to control the land and its people. He also built other castles nearby, like Tutbury and Duffield. Pilsbury Castle would have been part of his network of forts.
During The Anarchy
Another idea is that the castle was built later, during a period known as The Anarchy. This was a civil war in England (1135–1153) when different people fought for the throne. Robert de Ferrers or his father might have built it then. The de Ferrers family supported Stephen of England in the war. But their neighbor, the Earl of Chester, supported Stephen's rival, Empress Matilda. So, the castle might have been built to protect their land during this conflict.
What Did the Castle Look Like?
Pilsbury Castle had a large motte, which was about 40 meters (130 feet) across. It also had two bailey enclosures, one about 40 meters and the other 45 meters (148 feet) across. The castle's defenses were made of wood. It also had deep ditches and extra earthworks to protect it.
Why Was the Castle Left?
It seems Pilsbury Castle was not used for very long. It might have been destroyed after William de Ferrers took part in a rebellion in 1173–74. Or, it might have been abandoned when the land was taken by the Duchy of Lancaster. This happened after the sixth Earl lost his property. It's also possible that the castle simply became less important. The nearby town of Hartington grew, and the village of Pilsbury became smaller.
Pilsbury Castle Today
Today, you won't see a grand castle at Pilsbury. All that remains are earthworks and a large mound on a limestone hill. However, in the early 2000s, archaeologists studied the site. They found the foundations of the old castle. Pilsbury Castle is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means it's a nationally important historical site, and it's protected by law.
