Scheduled MonumentsEnglandSwerford Castle

Swerford Castle

England
List entry 1014748
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Swerford Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification located in Oxfordshire, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. The site comprises an earthen mound surrounded by a ditch and bailey, representing a characteristic form of early medieval military architecture common throughout England in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The castle's modest scale suggests it served primarily as a local defensive stronghold and administrative centre rather than a major fortress. Little above-ground stonework survives, with the monument's significance lying in its archaeological potential and its illustration of Norman settlement patterns in the region.

Swerford Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1014748. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Swerford Castle?

Swerford Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification located in Oxfordshire, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1014748.

Who is responsible for protecting Swerford Castle?

Swerford 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 1014748.

What other scheduled monuments are near Swerford Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Long barrow 250m south of Ellen's Lodge in Shilcott Wood on the Ditchley Park Estate (9 km), Taston standing stone 12m north of Taston village cross (9.2 km), Taston village cross (9.2 km).

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