Hales Castle

Hales Castle
Somerset, England

Earthworks of Hales Castle
Hales Castle
Coordinates 51°11′50″N 2°17′28″W / 51.1971°N 2.291°W / 51.1971; -2.291
Type Motte and bailey
Site information
Condition Only earthworks remain

Hales Castle was a medieval castle that once stood overlooking the town of Frome in the Mendip district of Somerset, England.

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.[1] 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.[2]

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.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Prior, p.71.
  2. ↑ Prior, pp.84, 90.
  3. ↑ "Hales Castle". Pastscape National Monument Record. English Heritage. Retrieved 22 July 2011.

Bibliography

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