Renhold Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Renhold Castle |
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| Renhold, Bedfordshire, England | |
 Renhold Castle
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| Coordinates | 52°08′56″N 0°23′01″W / 52.1488°N 0.3837°W |
| Type | Ringwork |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Earthworks |
Renhold Castle, also known as Howbury, was a medieval castle. It was found near Water End Farm in the village of Renhold, Bedfordshire, England. This castle was built a long, long time ago during the Middle Ages.
Contents
What Kind of Castle Was It?
Renhold Castle was a type of castle called a motte-and-bailey castle. This means it had two main parts:
- A motte was a large earth mound, like a small hill. The main tower or keep would sit on top of this mound.
- A bailey was a courtyard area. This part was usually surrounded by a fence or wall. People and animals lived here.
How Was It Protected?
The castle was also protected by a moat. A moat is a deep, wide ditch, often filled with water. It made it harder for enemies to reach the castle. Renhold Castle was completely surrounded by its moat.
Where Was Renhold Castle Located?
This castle was in a good spot! It was about 4 miles east of another important castle called Bedford Castle. It was also just a mile south of Great Barford Castle. Being close to other castles could have been important for defense or control of the area.
What Can We See Today?
Today, you won't find a tall castle building at Renhold. All that remains are the earthworks. Earthworks are the bumps and hollows in the ground that show where the castle's motte, bailey, and moat used to be. It's like the ghost of the castle, showing its old shape.
This site is very important! It is a Scheduled Monument. This means it's protected by law because it's a special historical place. It helps us learn about how people lived and built things in the Middle Ages.
