Scheduled MonumentsEnglandMountsorrel motte and bailey castle

Mountsorrel motte and bailey castle

England
List entry 1010188
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Mountsorrel motte and bailey is a Norman fortification located near Mountsorrel in Leicestershire, dating to the early post-Conquest period, likely established in the late eleventh century. The castle comprises a substantial motte, or earthen mound, surrounded by bailey enclosures, representing a common defensive strategy employed by Norman settlers across England following 1066. The site occupies a prominent position overlooking the River Soar valley, a location that would have provided significant strategic control over local communications and resources. Archaeological evidence and documentary records indicate the castle served as an important feudal stronghold during the medieval period, though stone structures were never extensively developed on the site, which remained principally an earthwork fortification.

Mountsorrel motte and bailey castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1010188. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Mountsorrel motte and bailey castle?

Mountsorrel motte and bailey is a Norman fortification located near Mountsorrel in Leicestershire, dating to the early post-Conquest period, likely established in the late eleventh century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1010188.

Who is responsible for protecting Mountsorrel motte and bailey castle?

Mountsorrel motte and bailey 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 1010188.

What other scheduled monuments are near Mountsorrel motte and bailey castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Preceptory, boundary, two mounds, fishpond and dam at Beaumont Leys (5.8 km), 'King William's' Bridge See also LEICESTER 195 (6.5 km), 'King William's' Bridge See also LEICESTERSHIRE 195 (6.5 km).

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