Scheduled MonumentsEnglandBallands Castle

Ballands Castle

England
List entry 1014713
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Ballands Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Somerset, England, representing a typical example of early Norman fortification from the eleventh or twelfth century. The monument comprises an earthwork consisting of a raised mound, or motte, accompanied by an adjacent bailey, or defended enclosure, characteristic of the rapid fortification strategy employed by Norman settlers following the Conquest. Such motte-and-bailey structures served as administrative and military centres for the newly established Norman lords across the English landscape. The site remains substantially as an archaeological earthwork monument, preserving evidence of early medieval defensive architecture and settlement patterns in the region.

Ballands Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1014713. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Ballands Castle?

Ballands Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Somerset, England, representing a typical example of early Norman fortification from the eleventh or twelfth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1014713.

Who is responsible for protecting Ballands Castle?

Ballands Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1014713.

What other scheduled monuments are near Ballands Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Motte and bailey castle in Cockroad Wood (1.3 km), Pen Pits quern quarries SE of Hart Hill (1.5 km), Pen Pits quern quarries N of Combe Bottom (1.7 km).

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