Scheduled MonumentsEnglandBedford Castle motte and bailey

Bedford Castle motte and bailey

England
List entry 1010366
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Bedford Castle is a motte and bailey castle located in Bedford, Bedfordshire, England. The castle was established in the Norman period following the conquest of 1066 and represents a characteristic example of early Norman military architecture. The site comprises a substantial mound, or motte, surrounded by baileys which would have originally been fortified with timber palisades. The castle was the subject of a significant royal siege in 1224, during which it was comprehensively dismantled on the orders of King Henry III, making it an important site for understanding both Norman settlement and thirteenth-century military history.

Bedford Castle motte and bailey is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1010366. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bedford Castle motte and bailey?

Bedford Castle is a motte and bailey castle located in Bedford, Bedfordshire, England. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1010366.

Who is responsible for protecting Bedford Castle motte and bailey?

Bedford Castle motte and bailey 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 1010366.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bedford Castle motte and bailey?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The Moot Hall (2.2 km), Elstow Manor House (Remains of) (2.4 km), Paved ford 400yds (366m) SE of Kempston Church (4 km).

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