Scheduled MonumentsEnglandOngar Castle

Ongar Castle

England
List entry 1002189
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Ongar Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress located in High Ongar, Essex, constructed in the eleventh century following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The castle comprises a substantial earthwork consisting of a mound surrounded by a ditch and bailey, representing a typical example of early Norman military architecture in England. The site was strategically positioned to control the local region and served as a fortified residence for its Norman lords. Though no substantial stone structures survive, the earthwork remains well-preserved and constitutes an important archaeological record of Norman settlement and castle development in Essex.

Ongar Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002189. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Ongar Castle?

Ongar Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress located in High Ongar, Essex, constructed in the eleventh century following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002189.

Who is responsible for protecting Ongar Castle?

Ongar 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 1002189.

What other scheduled monuments are near Ongar Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bowl barrow 50m north-west of footbridge: one of three round barrows on Shelley Common (2.1 km), Bowl barrow 90m north-west of the footbridge: one of three round barrows on Shelley Common (2.1 km), Moated site in Fortification Wood (4.8 km).

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