Scheduled MonumentsScotlandLeuchars Castle, motte and associated remains
Medieval · Motte and associated remains

Leuchars Castle, motte and associated remains

Scotland
HES SM857
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and associated remains
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Leuchars Castle is a medieval motte and bailey castle situated in Fife, Scotland, representing a form of fortification characteristic of the Norman period in Britain. The site comprises an earthen mound, or motte, which would have originally supported a timber or stone structure, alongside the flattened bailey platform typical of such defensive settlements. The castle dates to the medieval period, when such fortifications served as centres of military power and territorial control in Scotland. The surviving earthworks remain an important archaeological record of medieval military architecture and settlement patterns in the region.

Leuchars Castle, motte and associated remains is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM857. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Leuchars Castle, motte and associated remains?

Leuchars Castle is a medieval motte and bailey castle situated in Fife, Scotland, representing a form of fortification characteristic of the Norman period in Britain. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM857.

What period does Leuchars Castle, motte and associated remains date from?

Leuchars Castle, motte and associated remains dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte and associated remains. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Leuchars Castle, motte and associated remains?

Leuchars Castle, motte and associated remains is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM857.

What other scheduled monuments are near Leuchars Castle, motte and associated remains?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Earlshall, enclosures and settlements NNW of (1.1 km), Southfield, cropmarks E and SE of (1.1 km), Pusk Farm Cottages, ring-ditch & enclosures 250m NE of (1.5 km).

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