Cockermouth Castle: medieval enclosure castle and site of earlier motte and bailey castle

Scheduled area

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History & significance

Cockermouth Castle is a medieval enclosure castle situated in Cockermouth, Cumberland, occupying a site of earlier Norman motte and bailey fortifications. The castle was substantially developed in the 13th century with stone defences, including a curtain wall and various domestic structures arranged within the enclosure, reflecting the transition from timber to masonry construction typical of the period. The site's strategic location in the Allerdale area, commanding the confluence of the rivers Cocker and Derwent, made it an important stronghold throughout the medieval period. The surviving remains include substantial sections of the curtain wall and evidence of the earlier earthwork fortifications beneath the later stone castle.

Cockermouth Castle: medieval enclosure castle and site of earlier motte and bailey castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1013333. View the official record →

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