Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

Leicester Castle
Hob Uid: 316859
Location : City of Leicester Non Civil Parish
Grid Ref : SK5826004130
Summary : A medieval motte and bailey, probably built by Robert de Beaumont, first Earl of Leicester circa 1068 and damaged in a rebellion of 1101, surviving as an earthwork. The castle was taken and dismantled in 1173. The castle mound is about 30 feet high, the steepest scars being 4 feet on the south west and the diameter of the level summit 100 feet. It was considerably higher, probably 12 to 15 feet until reduced and levelled for a bowling green in the 19th century. Excavations have located the castle wall.
More information : Castle Mound [GT] Centred at (SK 58260413) Castle (rems of) [GT] (SK 5825 0418) (1) The original motte and bailey type castle was erected by William the Conqueror in 1068 in the SW corner of the town, the site affording both the domination of the latter and easy access by the river. The bailey lay to the north and north east, a steep scarp to the south protecting it on the west. It was probably rebuilt by Robert de Beaumont, first Earl of Leicester following the almost certain damage which it suffered in the rebellion of 1101. Robert le Bosso is generally credited with the building of the stone hall (SK 50 SE 165).(2) The Castle Mound is about 30 feet high, the steepest scars being 4ft on the SW and the diameter of the level summit 100 feet. It was considerably higher, probably 12-15 feet until reduced and levelled for a bowling green over a century ago. (3) The description of the motte is correct. It is tree-covered and in good condition. See GP 53/89/8 - Castle Mound from SW showing (A-B) portion of 15th century Castle Wall. No change Published survey (1/1250). (4) SK 582 041. The mound of Leicester Castle. Scheduled. (5) Excavations 36 feet West of the Turret Gateway in 1951 located the face of the castle wall. (6) Cathcart King states that the castle was taken and dismantled in 1173. It was reoccupied asa aresidence rather than a fortified place, and a weak outer enclosure was added in 1422-3. (7) Leicester Castle. Scheduling amended. (8)

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Source Number : 1
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Source details : OS 25" 1930
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Page(s) : 22-May
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Vol(s) : 28, 1952

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Page(s) : 260
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Source Number : 4
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Source details : J Baird/12-JAN-1972/Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigator
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Source Number : 5
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Source details : English Heritage SAM List Leicestershire March 1994 9
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Source Number : 6
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Page(s) : 25-Sep
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Vol(s) : 28, 1952

Source Number : 7
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Page(s) : 254
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Source Number : 8
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Source details : EH Scheduling amendment, 09-MAY-2001
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Built 1068, destroyed 1101.
Monument End Date : 1101
Monument Start Date : 1068
Monument Type : Motte And Bailey
Evidence : Earthwork

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Dismantled 1173
Monument End Date : 1173
Monument Start Date : 1173
Monument Type : Motte And Bailey
Evidence : Earthwork

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Enclosure added 1422-3
Monument End Date : 1423
Monument Start Date : 1422
Monument Type : Enclosure, House
Evidence : Documentary Evidence

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : C19
Monument End Date : 1900
Monument Start Date : 1801
Monument Type : Motte, Bowling Green
Evidence : Earthwork

Components and Objects:

Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : Scheduled Monument Legacy (National No.)
External Cross Reference Number : 17127
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : SMR Number (Leicestershire)
External Cross Reference Number : 50SE RM
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External Cross Reference Source : SMR Number (Leicestershire)
External Cross Reference Number : 50SE FE
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : SK 50 SE 1
External Cross Reference Notes :

Related Warden Records :

Related Activities :

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1951-01-01
End Date : 1951-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1954-01-01
End Date : 1954-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1967-01-01
End Date : 1967-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : WATCHING BRIEF
Start Date : 1982-01-01
End Date : 1982-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : WATCHING BRIEF
Start Date : 1984-01-01
End Date : 1985-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EVALUATION
Start Date : 1986-01-01
End Date : 1986-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EVALUATION
Start Date : 1991-01-01
End Date : 1991-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1992-01-01
End Date : 1992-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : WATCHING BRIEF
Start Date : 2004-01-01
End Date : 2004-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : ARCHITECTURAL SURVEY
Start Date : 2009-01-01
End Date : 2009-12-31

Historic England Research Records

Leicester Castle