Scheduled MonumentsEnglandCastle Acre Castle, town defences and Bailey Gate

Castle Acre Castle, town defences and Bailey Gate

England
List entry 1017909
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Castle Acre Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress established in the late eleventh century by William de Warenne, a prominent companion of William the Conqueror. The castle comprises an impressive earthen mound surrounded by ditches and banks, with substantial surviving stone structures including a keep and domestic buildings that reflect the site's importance as a major baronial stronghold. The adjacent town of Castle Acre developed as a planned settlement associated with the castle, and the Bailey Gate survives as a fortified gateway controlling entry to the town defences, demonstrating the integration of castle and settlement. The monument complex represents a significant example of Norman military and administrative organisation in East Anglia during the feudal period.

Castle Acre Castle, town defences and Bailey Gate is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1017909. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castle Acre Castle, town defences and Bailey Gate?

Castle Acre Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress established in the late eleventh century by William de Warenne, a prominent companion of William the Conqueror. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1017909.

Who is responsible for protecting Castle Acre Castle, town defences and Bailey Gate?

Castle Acre Castle, town defences and Bailey Gate 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 1017909.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castle Acre Castle, town defences and Bailey Gate?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Castle Acre Priory (0.5 km), Double moated site of Old Hall, 250m north west of Church Farm (0.9 km), Churchyard cross, St George's Church (1.2 km).

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