Scheduled MonumentsEnglandRuardean Castle

Ruardean Castle

England
List entry 1002098
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Ruardean Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortress located in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. The castle dates to the Norman period, likely established in the late eleventh or early twelfth century, and represents a typical earthwork fortification of that era. It consists of a substantial mound with a bailey, demonstrating the characteristic defensive layout of early medieval castle construction. The site remains largely unexcavated, though the earthworks are still visible and form an important archaeological record of Norman settlement and control within the Forest of Dean region.

Ruardean Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002098. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Ruardean Castle?

Ruardean Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortress located in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002098.

Who is responsible for protecting Ruardean Castle?

Ruardean 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 1002098.

What other scheduled monuments are near Ruardean Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Welshbury hillfort and associated earthworks (6.3 km), Little Dean camp (7.1 km), Soudley camp, Lower Soudley (8.4 km).

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