Toddington Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Toddington Castle |
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| Toddington, Bedfordshir, England | |
 Toddington Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°56′59″N 0°31′48″W / 51.9496°N 0.5299°W |
| Type | Motte-and-bailey |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Earthworks |
Toddington Castle, also known today as "Conger Hill Motte", was once a castle located in the village of Toddington. This village is found in the county of Bedfordshire, England.
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What Was Toddington Castle?
Toddington Castle was a special type of castle called a motte-and-bailey castle. Imagine a big mound of earth, which is the "motte." On top of this mound, there would have been a strong tower. Next to it was a large, fenced-in area called the "bailey." This area held buildings like homes, stables, and workshops.
How Was It Built?
At first, Toddington Castle was likely built using timber (wood). Later, parts of it might have been rebuilt using stone, making it even stronger. Castles like this were very important for defense and control during the Middle Ages.
Who Owned the Castle?
Records show that Toddington Castle existed before the 13th century. Around that time, it was known as the stronghold of a knight named Sir Paulinus Pegure, also called Paul Pever. He would have been an important person in the area, using the castle to protect his lands and people.
The Name "Conger Hill"
In old records from 1597, the castle site was called "Toddington Conger Hill." This unusual name probably came from its use during the 16th century. At that time, the castle grounds were used as a rabbit warren. A rabbit warren is a place where rabbits are bred and kept for food or fur. So, "Conger Hill" might refer to the many rabbits living there!
What Can You See Today?
Today, you won't see a tall castle standing at Toddington. The site is now a Scheduled Monument. This means it's a very important historical site protected by the government. It's classified as a medieval motte, which tells us about its age and type.
Only earthworks remain at the site. Earthworks are changes made to the land, like mounds and ditches, that show where old buildings or defenses once stood. These earthworks are like clues from the past, helping us imagine what Toddington Castle looked like long ago.
