Thurnham Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thurnham Castle |
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| Kent, England | |
Remains of Thurnham Castle
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 Thurnham Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°17′39″N 0°35′30″E / 51.29422°N 0.59178°E |
| Type | Motte and bailey |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Kent County Council |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Ruin |
| Site history | |
| Materials | Flint |
Thurnham Castle, also known as Godard's Castle, is an old castle ruin in Kent, England. It is located just north of a village called Thurnham. This village is about three miles northeast of the larger town of Maidstone.
This castle was built a very long time ago, in the 12th century. That means it was constructed in the 1100s! It was made from flint, a hard stone found in the area. The castle was built by a man named Robert of Thurnham. He built it during the time when King Henry II ruled England. The castle sits on a hill, right on the edge of the North Downs.
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Thurnham Castle: A Look Back in Time
Thurnham Castle is a type of castle known as a motte and bailey castle. This design was very popular in England after the Norman Conquest. A motte is a large mound of earth, often with a tower on top. The bailey is a walled courtyard next to the motte.
Who Built Thurnham Castle?
The castle was built by Robert of Thurnham. He was an important person in the area during the 12th century. Building a castle like this showed his power and wealth. It also helped protect the land.
What's Left of the Castle Today?
Today, Thurnham Castle is mostly in ruins. You can still see parts of the old walls. One section of the bailey wall still stands about 10 feet (3 meters) high. This wall once surrounded an area of land about the size of a quarter of an acre. That's roughly the size of a small football field.
The Castle's Owners Through History
In the 12th century, the land where the castle stands belonged to the de Say family. Later, it passed to the Thurnham family. Over many centuries, the castle slowly fell into ruin.
Today, Kent County Council owns the castle site. They have made it part of a larger area called the White Horse Millennium Wood and Country Park Project. This means the area around the castle has been cleared of thick bushes and plants. Now, people can easily visit and explore the castle ruins. It's a great place to imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago!
