Castle Howe motte and bailey castle

Scheduled area

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History & significance

Castle Howe is a motte and bailey castle situated in Westmorland, England, representing a form of fortification characteristic of the Norman period following 1066. The monument comprises a prominent mound, or motte, accompanied by an associated bailey, which would have served as a defensive stronghold typical of early Norman settlement and control in northern England. The site demonstrates the strategic importance placed on establishing fortified positions throughout the post-Conquest landscape, though detailed documentary evidence regarding its specific construction date and builders remains limited in the historical record. As an earthwork monument, Castle Howe survives as a significant example of Norman-period military architecture in the region and continues to provide archaeological evidence of medieval settlement patterns and administrative control in Westmorland.

Castle Howe motte and bailey castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1007130. View the official record →

Questions & answers

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