| Summary : Remains of late 13th/early 14th century castle. The site has little natural defense apart from the River Wye to the south, and may have been built near to a natural crossing point on the river. There is no evidence of an earlier earth motte at the site. In the 16th century, a large house was built incorporating the south west tower. This house was captured in 1644 and partially destroyed in 1645. The present house was built in the early 19th century, incorporating the remains of the medieval tower and the 16th century ruins. The site is first documented in 1188 and again in 1205, when repair work was carried out. John Leland attributed the castle to King Stephen, but it has also been suggested as having been built by Hugo de Longchamp who was granted the manor by Henry I in the early twelfth century and then perhaps refortified during the Anarchy period.Scheduled. |
More information : (SO 590243) Wilton Castle (NR) Tower (NR) (3 times) Moat (NR). (1)
According to Leland and Giraldus Cambrensis, there was a Castle of Wilton in the reign of Stephen, when the Longchamp family were lords of Wilton. The existing remains, however, date from late in the 13th or early in the 14th century, the NW Tower being perhaps a little later. At this period the Castle belonged to the Greys. In the 16th century a large house was built incorporating the SW Tower, and probably at the some time the south curtain wall and south portion of the east wall were destroyed. During the Civil War the castle belonged to Sir John Brydges, and the house is said to have been burnt at this period.
In modern times a house has been built incorporating portions of the old SW tower and part of the 16th century building. Plan and full description. Condition, ruinous. (2)
Published earthworks (25") correct. (3)
The remains are substantially as shown on the RCHM plan. The curtain walls and towers mainly survive to the height indicated by the RCHM photograph but are neglected and overgrown. The modern house is still occupied. (4)
SO 590244. Square castle on earlier mound; first mentioned 1188, repaired 1205. (5)
Additional reference. (6)
Listed by Shoesmith. (7)
The castle may have 11th century origins since Henry II granted the manor of Wilton to Hugh de Longchamp immediately after his accession in 1157. (8)
Listed Grade I. (9) |