Mere Castle

England
List entry 1017018
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Mere Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification situated in Mere, Wiltshire, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. The castle comprises a substantial earthen mound surrounded by a ditch, with the bailey adjacent to the motte, representing a typical example of early Norman military architecture in southern England. The site demonstrates the strategic importance of Mere as a defensive location during the early medieval period, and the earthworks remain substantially preserved despite the absence of stone structures. The castle exemplifies the rapid fortification of the English landscape by Norman lords in the decades following 1066, serving as both a military stronghold and a symbol of Norman authority in Wiltshire.

Mere Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1017018. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Mere Castle?

Mere Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification situated in Mere, Wiltshire, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1017018.

Who is responsible for protecting Mere Castle?

Mere 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 1017018.

What other scheduled monuments are near Mere Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Remains of East Haimes House and the adjacent section of the deer park pale (5.6 km), Longbury long barrow 600m north west of Slaughtergate Farm (5.8 km), King's Court Palace moated site (6.3 km).

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