Scheduled MonumentsEnglandPleshey Castle and town enclosure

Pleshey Castle and town enclosure

England
List entry 1002191
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Pleshey Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortress established in Essex following the Norman Conquest, with substantial earthwork remains that dominate the landscape of the historic village of Pleshey. The site comprises a prominent mound topped by a flattened summit, surrounded by a deep ditch, with an extensive bailey to the east defended by further banks and ditches. The castle served as an important baronial stronghold from the eleventh century onwards and became the seat of the de Bohun family, later passing to the Dukes of Gloucester. The surrounding town of Pleshey developed within an oval enclosure defined by substantial banks and ditches, preserving the planned medieval settlement that grew beneath the protection of the castle.

Pleshey Castle and town enclosure is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002191. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pleshey Castle and town enclosure?

Pleshey Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortress established in Essex following the Norman Conquest, with substantial earthwork remains that dominate the landscape of the historic village of Pleshey. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002191.

Who is responsible for protecting Pleshey Castle and town enclosure?

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.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pleshey Castle and town enclosure?

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).

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