FitzHarris Castle

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

FitzHarris Castle
Oxfordshire, England
Plan of the castle
FitzHarris Castle is located in Oxfordshire
FitzHarris Castle
FitzHarris Castle
Coordinates51.6746°N 1.2833°W / 51.6746; -1.2833
Grid referencegrid reference SU496975
TypeMotte
Site information
OwnerLocal authority
Open to
the public
Yes
ConditionEarthworks
Site history
Builtbetween 1071 and 1084 (between 1071 and 1084)
Built byOwen
In use1084 - c.1247
FateDemolished

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.

51.6741°N 1.2841°W / 51.6741; -1.2841

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