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 Norman motte-and-bailey fortification situated in the parish of Mere, Wiltshire. The castle consists of a substantial earthen mound surrounded by a ditch, typical of early Norman defensive architecture erected in the decades following 1066. The site demonstrates the characteristic form of 11th-century military engineering, with the raised mound designed to support a timber or stone structure commanding the surrounding landscape. Though now reduced to its earthworks, Mere Castle represents an important example of the rapid fortification of England undertaken by Norman lords during the period of consolidation following the Conquest.

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 Norman motte-and-bailey fortification situated in the parish of Mere, Wiltshire. 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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