Stansted Mountfitchet Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stansted Mountfitchet Castle |
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| Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, England | |
The entrance to the castle
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 Stansted Mountfitchet Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°54′10″N 0°12′03″E / 51.9029°N 0.2007°E |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Materials | Stone and timber |
Stansted Mountfitchet Castle is an amazing old castle in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, England. It was built by the Normans a very long time ago. Today, it's a special museum where you can experience what life was like in 1066. You can even see farm animals that people would have kept back then!
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Discovering Stansted Mountfitchet Castle
This castle is a type of Norman fort called a ringwork and bailey. This means it had a strong circular earth wall (the ringwork) and a lower area (the bailey). These features helped protect the people living inside.
The Castle's Ancient Roots
Before the Normans built their castle, this spot was important for a very long time. People believe it was an early Iron Age fort. Even the Romans, Saxons, and Vikings might have lived here! We know this because old objects from these times have been found at the site.
In 1066, the Normans attacked England. After their victory, a man named Robert Gernon built his castle here. He made it his main home and the center of his lands. Robert Gernon came to England with William the Conqueror. He was given this land and many others as a reward. His family lived here for about five generations.
How Was Mountfitchet Castle Built?
The castle was built on high ground for better defense. The ringwork part covered about half an acre. The bailey complex, on slightly lower ground, was about one acre. Inside the ringwork, there was a keep, which was a strong tower, protected by a small, round enclosure.
Bringing History Back to Life
Mountfitchet Castle is a national Historic Monument. This means it's protected by the government because it's so important. In the 1980s, people decided to rebuild the castle as a place for visitors.
First, they cleared the land to find the original earthworks and mounds. After a lot of planning, the reconstruction began in 1980. It took many years of hard work. Finally, in 1985, Mountfitchet Castle opened to the public. It's special because it's the only wooden Motte and Bailey castle rebuilt on its original spot anywhere in the world!
Today, when you visit Mountfitchet Castle and Norman Village, you can travel back in time. It's a "living history" experience where you can see, touch, and interact with what life was like in 1066 Norman England.
A Famous Castle Resident
In 2013, one of the castle's cockerels became very famous. This chicken, a Light Brahma named 'Little John', was nominated for a world record! He stood at an amazing 66 centimeters tall, making him one of the tallest chickens ever.
