FitzHarris Castle

Castle in the United Kingdom

51°40′29″N 1°17′00″W / 51.6746°N 1.2833°W / 51.6746; -1.2833Grid referencegrid reference SU496975TypeMotteSite informationOwnerLocal authorityOpen to
the publicYesConditionEarthworksSite historyBuiltbetween 1071 and 1084 (between 1071 and 1084)Built byOwenIn use1084 - c. 1247FateDemolished

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

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.

51°40′27″N 1°17′03″W / 51.6741°N 1.2841°W / 51.6741; -1.2841