Scheduled MonumentsEnglandMarshwood Castle

Marshwood Castle

England
List entry 1002836
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Marshwood Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification located in Dorset, England, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. The castle comprises an earthwork mound with an associated bailey, typical of early medieval military architecture designed to assert Norman control over the English landscape. Its construction reflects the strategic importance of the Dorset region during the immediate post-Conquest era, when such fortifications served both defensive and administrative functions. The site survives today as an archaeological monument, with its earthwork features remaining substantially intact despite the passage of nearly a millennium.

Marshwood Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002836. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Marshwood Castle?

Marshwood Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification located in Dorset, England, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002836.

Who is responsible for protecting Marshwood Castle?

Marshwood 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 1002836.

What other scheduled monuments are near Marshwood Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Barrow cemetery on Hardown Hill 600m west of Butt Farm (3.2 km), Small multivallate hillfort with outworks called Coney's Castle (3.3 km), Three bowl barrows on High Bullen 230m south west of Hazelbower (3.5 km).

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