Scheduled MonumentsEnglandHigham Ferrers Motte and Bailey Castle, with Ponds, Warren and Dovecote

Higham Ferrers Motte and Bailey Castle, with Ponds, Warren and Dovecote

England
List entry 1012113
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Higham Ferrers Motte and Bailey Castle, with Ponds, Warren and Dovecote is a Norman fortification located in Northamptonshire. The site comprises a substantial motte and bailey earthwork, likely dating to the late eleventh or twelfth century, representing a characteristic form of early Norman military architecture. The castle was accompanied by associated medieval features including fishponds, a warren for rabbit breeding, and a dovecote, demonstrating the economic and domestic functions that extended beyond purely defensive purposes. Though the castle itself did not develop into a major stone fortress, these remains preserve important evidence of Norman settlement and exploitation of the landscape in the East Midlands.

Higham Ferrers Motte and Bailey Castle, with Ponds, Warren and Dovecote is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1012113. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Higham Ferrers Motte and Bailey Castle, with Ponds, Warren and Dovecote?

Higham Ferrers Motte and Bailey Castle, with Ponds, Warren and Dovecote is a Norman fortification located in Northamptonshire. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1012113.

Who is responsible for protecting Higham Ferrers Motte and Bailey Castle, with Ponds, Warren and Dovecote?

Higham Ferrers Motte and Bailey Castle, with Ponds, Warren and Dovecote 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 1012113.

What other scheduled monuments are near Higham Ferrers Motte and Bailey Castle, with Ponds, Warren and Dovecote?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including 'Chichele College': the remains of the medieval college of Higham Ferrers (0.1 km), Churchyard cross in St Mary the Virgin churchyard (0.2 km), Market cross 44m north of the Town Hall (0.2 km).

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