Scheduled MonumentsEnglandSturminster Castle

Sturminster Castle

England
List entry 1002719
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Sturminster Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle situated near Sturminster Newton in Dorset. The castle dates to the Norman period, likely established in the eleventh or twelfth century as part of the widespread programme of fortification following the Norman Conquest. The site comprises an earthwork mound with associated ditching and baileys, representing the typical military architecture of early Norman England. The castle appears to have been a relatively modest fortification, and like many motte-and-bailey castles, it was likely superseded by later stone-built structures or fell into disuse as military requirements changed during the medieval period.

Sturminster Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002719. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Sturminster Castle?

Sturminster Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle situated near Sturminster Newton in Dorset. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002719.

Who is responsible for protecting Sturminster Castle?

Sturminster 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 1002719.

What other scheduled monuments are near Sturminster Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bowl barrow 950m NNE Bulbarrow Farm (7.4 km), Bul Barrow, 750m east of Rawlsbury Camp (7.8 km), Small multivallate hillfort called Rawlsbury Camp (7.8 km).

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