Scheduled MonumentsEnglandDevizes Castle

Devizes Castle

England
List entry 1021375
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Devizes Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress constructed in the early twelfth century, likely founded by Roger de Montgomery in the 1080s or shortly thereafter. The castle comprises a substantial earthen mound surrounded by defensive ditches and bailey, and originally supported a timber palisade and wooden structures, later replaced by stone fortifications. The site played a significant role during the English civil war of the twelfth century, changing hands multiple times between the supporters of King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. Though the original medieval stone keep no longer survives intact, the prominent earthwork remains a substantial example of Norman military architecture, and the site now forms the setting for Devizes Castle Museum, which houses important collections relating to Wiltshire's archaeology and local history.

Devizes Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1021375. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Devizes Castle?

Devizes Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress constructed in the early twelfth century, likely founded by Roger de Montgomery in the 1080s or shortly thereafter. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1021375.

Who is responsible for protecting Devizes Castle?

Devizes 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 1021375.

What other scheduled monuments are near Devizes Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Caen Hill locks (2.1 km), The Long Monument (3.1 km), Moated site 300m north-east of Potterne Park Farm (4 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around Devizes Castle