Hales Castle

Hales Castle was a medieval castle that once stood overlooking the town of Frome in the Mendip district of Somerset, England. It has been scheduled as an ancient monument.[1]

Hales Castle
Somerset, England
Earthworks of Hales Castle
Hales Castle
Coordinates51.1971°N 2.291°W / 51.1971; -2.291
TypeMotte and bailey
Site information
ConditionOnly earthworks remain

History
1911 plan of the ringwork

Hales Castle was built, probably in the years immediately after the Norman conquest of England in 1066, overlooking the town of Frome in the Mendip district of Somerset, England.[2] In addition to supporting the Norman control of the local town, it was also close to the River Frome and the Roman road running from Poole Harbour on to the town of Bath, both important lines of communication for the Normans.[3]

The circular ringwork is 120 feet (37 m) in diameter and stands on the northern slope of Roddenbury Hill, close to the Iron Age Roddenbury Hillfort. It comprises banks and outer ditches and has an unfinished bailey.[4] It covers an area of 0.11 hectares (0.27 acres) and the bank is between 0.3 metres (1 ft 0 in) and 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in) high.[1] There may have been a drawbridge at the entrance.

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See also

References
  1. Historic England. "Hales Castle: a ringwork and associated earthworks on Coles Hill (1008805)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  2. Prior, p.71.
  3. Prior, pp.84, 90.
  4. Historic England. "Hales Castle (202864)". PastScape. Retrieved 22 July 2011.

Bibliography
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