FitzHarris Castle

FitzHarris Castle
Oxfordshire, England

Plan of the castle
FitzHarris Castle
Coordinates grid reference SU496975
Type Motte
Site information
Condition Local authority

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

History

FitzHarris Castle was built near Abingdon between 1071-84 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 has is considered by English Heritage to be at risk from erosion due to visitor numbers.[4] The site is a scheduled monument.[5]

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.
  5. ↑ Fitzharris, Abingdon, Gatehouse website, accessed 11 June 2011.

Bibliography

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

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