Scheduled MonumentsEnglandCastle Neroche: a motte and bailey castle and earlier defences above Castle Plantation

Castle Neroche: a motte and bailey castle and earlier defences above Castle Plantation

England
List entry 1008252
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castle Neroche is a motte and bailey castle situated above Castle Plantation near Thornbury in Somerset, occupying a hilltop position of considerable defensive strength. The site incorporates earlier Iron Age fortifications, evidenced by substantial earthwork defences that predate the Norman motte and bailey construction, indicating its strategic importance across multiple periods of occupation. The castle comprises a prominent mound with an associated bailey, typical of eleventh-century Norman defensive architecture, though the exact date of its construction remains uncertain. The survival of both prehistoric and medieval earthworks at this location demonstrates the long-standing military significance of the site and its reuse by successive occupants exploiting its naturally commanding topography.

Castle Neroche: a motte and bailey castle and earlier defences above Castle Plantation is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1008252. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castle Neroche: a motte and bailey castle and earlier defences above Castle Plantation?

Castle Neroche is a motte and bailey castle situated above Castle Plantation near Thornbury in Somerset, occupying a hilltop position of considerable defensive strength. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1008252.

Who is responsible for protecting Castle Neroche: a motte and bailey castle and earlier defences above Castle Plantation?

Castle Neroche: a motte and bailey castle and earlier defences above Castle Plantation 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 1008252.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castle Neroche: a motte and bailey castle and earlier defences above Castle Plantation?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Combe Beacon barrow (4.3 km), Round barrow cemetery 100m south of School Farm (4.4 km), Two bowl barrows 300m north west of Northay Farm (4.5 km).

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