FitzHarris Castle
FitzHarris Castle was a medieval castle located near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England.
| FitzHarris Castle | |
|---|---|
| Oxfordshire, England | |
 Plan of the castle | |
  FitzHarris Castle | |
| Coordinates | 51.6746°N 1.2833°W |
| Grid reference | grid reference SU496975 |
| Type | Motte |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Local authority |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Earthworks |
| Site history | |
| Built | between 1071 and 1084 |
| Built by | Owen |
| In use | 1084 - c. 1247 |
| Fate | Demolished |
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.
References
- Preston, p.168.
- Preston, p.167.
- Preston, pp.168–9.
- 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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