FitzHarris Castle

FitzHarris Castle was a medieval castle located near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England.

FitzHarris Castle
Oxfordshire, England
Plan of the castle
FitzHarris Castle
Coordinates51.6746°N 1.2833°W / 51.6746; -1.2833
Grid referencegrid reference SU496975
TypeMotte
Site information
ConditionLocal authority

History

FitzHarris Castle was built near Abingdon between 1071 and 1084 in the aftermath of the Norman invasion of England by a probable Norman knight called Owen.[1] The castle formed a motte, 78 ft by 68 ft across, protected by a stream that flowed around the motte to produce a moat.[2] In due course the castle was supplemented by the nearby manor house called FitzHarry's, but a keep remained on the motte as late as 1247, probably for defensive purposes.[3]

The castle is now owned by the local authority but is considered by English Heritage to be at risk from erosion due to visitor numbers.[4] The site is a scheduled monument.

See also

References

  1. Preston, p.168.
  2. Preston, p.167.
  3. Preston, pp.168–9.
  4. Heritage At Risk Register 2010, English Heritage, p.63, accessed 11 June 2011.

Bibliography

  • Preston, A. E. (1934) "A Moated Mound at Abingdon, Berks," The Berkshire Archaeological Journal 38, pp. 167–170.

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