More information : [TF 0278 0702] Castle [G.T.] (Site of); [TF 0284 0697] Castle [GT];
(Rems of); [TF 0276 0695] Postern Gate [GT]. (1)
The Norman castle and its motte are on the north side of the Welland. There is no masonry on the motte, which is partly cut away, and what remains of the castle wall is of 13th century date. The castle, which was destroyed in the time of Richard III, appears to have been within the town walls, with a quadrangular bailey stretching down to the river. (2)
Rubble outhouses, at the corner of Castle Dyke, Bath Row, with three 14th cent. arches, are all that remain of the Castle buildings. A possible 14th century Postern Gate and short section of wall stands in Bath Row. (3)
No earthworks associable with the Castle could be identified. A wall plaque at TF 0284 0697 bears the inscription - "Castle erected 1075, demolished 1484, portion of Manor Court House remains and a postern gate." GP A0/61/147/1 - (Postern gate from South) GP A0/61/299/6 (14th c. doorway of Manor Court House from E.) GP A06129/7 (Manor Court House from SE). (4)
Rubble outbuilding at TF 02840697 scheduled. (5)
Excavation during construction of a Bus Park on the site of the castle resulted in the finding of Anglo-Saxon pottery. Excavation is to continue. (6)
Remains of the hall, solar and undercrofts of Stamford Castle dating from the 12th century, were uncovered during excavations on the site during 1971-6. North of the cellar (see plan), and cut into by it, was a building with slight foundations which overlay features associated with a pottery kiln, dated by wasters to the late 9th and early 10th centuries.
Earlier features include a U-shaped ditch with internal palisade, with another concentric palisade or ditch some 3m farther out. The ditch contained Stamford ware and a coin of Alfred. It is suggested that this was a late Saxon semi-fortified knoll. Plans. (7-8)
Outhouses at corner of Castle Dyke. Grade II. Corner buildings in rubble, of early appearance, at present outhouses with 3 splayed arches of 14th century date.
Postern gate of castle and section of castle wall, 14th century. Grade 2. (For full description see list). (9)
TF 028070. Outhouse at corner of Bath Row and Castle Dyke, scheduled. (10)
Additional bibliography. (11-12)
TF 028069. Excavations at Stamford Castle between 1972 and 1976 have revealed evidence of Saxo-Norman quarrying and 12th to 14th century structures including 2 main groups of stone buildings. A hall, undercroft and garderobes, together with grain drying kilns were discovered to the west of the bailey. The hall complex was discovered in the south-east corner of the bailey (see illustration card). Deposits relating to a 9th century pottery kiln were found to the north of the hall. Beneath the hall, and extending to the north, were the ditches of a 9th century enclosure. (13-14)
Stamford Castle is now completely built over, the area of the bus-park may perpetuate the shape of the ring-work; a pronounced drop (now revetted back) being traced on the north, east and south sides. (See illustration card). It may be no more than levelling up of the site in advance of the bus station. Remains of Manor Court House are as previously described. The outhouse to west has been demolished. (15)
Additional references. (16-19)
Early Medieval red painted pottery report. (20-21) |