© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)
Pleshey Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification situated in Essex, England, which was established in the Norman period following the Conquest of 1066. The castle comprises a substantial earthen motte surrounded by a bailey, with evidence of timber and later stone construction typical of elite Norman military architecture. The associated planned town enclosure represents a significant example of medieval settlement planning, reflecting the administrative and commercial ambitions of the Norman lords who controlled the site. Pleshey remained an important aristocratic stronghold throughout the medieval period, serving as a seat of considerable power and influence in Essex.
Pleshey Castle and town enclosure is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002191. View the official record →
Pleshey Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification situated in Essex, England, which was established in the Norman period following the Conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002191.
Pleshey Castle and town enclosure 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 1002191.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The College (0.1 km), Roman villa 450m west of Bury Farm (1.3 km), Roman villa 200m east of Howletts (3.5 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 15 strands of Pleshey Castle and town enclosure's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Pleshey Castle and town enclosure stands on Thames Group, bedrock that formed in the Eocene. The rock here is clay, silt, sand and gravel.