Scheduled MonumentsEnglandDesborough Castle

Desborough Castle

England
List entry 1020863
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Desborough Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle located near Desborough in Buckinghamshire, dating to the Norman period following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The site comprises a substantial earthen mound with an associated bailey, representing a typical example of early Norman fortification in the region. The castle would have served as a defensive stronghold and administrative centre for the local Norman lord, though it appears to have been abandoned or significantly reduced in importance by the later medieval period. Like many motte-and-bailey castles, Desborough Castle has survived primarily as an earthwork monument, with its original timber or stone superstructures no longer extant.

Desborough Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1020863. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Desborough Castle?

Desborough Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle located near Desborough in Buckinghamshire, dating to the Norman period following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1020863.

Who is responsible for protecting Desborough Castle?

Desborough 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 1020863.

What other scheduled monuments are near Desborough Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Castle Hill, a motte and bailey castle and Saxon burial 50m west of Castle Hill House (1.9 km), St John the Baptist's Hospital (2.3 km), Camp on Church Hill (2.7 km).

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