Scheduled MonumentsEnglandBenefield Castle

Benefield Castle

England
List entry 1015535
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Benefield Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Northamptonshire, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. The site comprises a substantial earthwork consisting of a raised mound with an enclosing bailey, representing a typical example of early Norman fortification strategy in the region. The castle was established to assert Norman control over the local landscape and settlement patterns, though it appears to have been relatively short-lived as a defensive structure, with occupation concentrated in the immediate post-Conquest decades. Little architectural superstructure survives above ground, and the site is now preserved as an earthwork monument that demonstrates the physical legacy of Norman administrative and military organisation in the English midlands.

Benefield Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1015535. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Benefield Castle?

Benefield Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Northamptonshire, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1015535.

Who is responsible for protecting Benefield Castle?

Benefield 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 1015535.

What other scheduled monuments are near Benefield Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Upper Lyveden moated site (1.6 km), Lyveden New Building and garden (3.1 km), Stoke Doyle moated site, near Oundle. (4.8 km).

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