More information : [TL 4900 2148] Waytemore Castle [GT] (Remains of) [NAT] (1)
Waytemore Castle Motte and Bailey stands on low marshy ground north of the town on the east bank of the River Stort. The castle was an early stronghold of the Bishops of London and is of special interest in that it retains traces of a shell keep. The Keep Motte, large and oval, is 40 feet high, and covers at the summit about 1/5 acre. Of the former Shell Keep, which is probably 12th century, little more than the flint rubble foundations remain enclosing roughly rectangular space about 90 feet by 40 feet. The Bailey is much altered and forms roughly a pentagonal enclosure to the south of the motte. The surrounding ditches have been altered into narrow waterways except for the part between the motte and bailey. The entrance was probably on the south from the causeway across the marsh. The site has been acquired by the UDC and the earthworks and remains of shell keep are to be carefully repaired and protected. Condition - of Motte, good; of Keep - ruinous; the Bailey, nearly levelled. (2)
Motte and Bailey as described by Authority 2. The Motte is in good condition, turf covered. The shell keep foundations have been restored by the local council and are kept in good repair. The Bailey is very much levelled. Part of the counterscarp of the ditch which once ran between the Motte and Bailey is still visible at the west end of the north side of the Bailey but is unsurveyable. The site is laid out as pleasure gardens open to the public. (See GP/AO/62/70/8, from NE) (3)
Roman coins found in the Castle garden including one of Marcus (AD 161-180) (4)
Undated burial ground found at Castle Cottage TL 4895 2137 in 1938. (5)
Massive foundations were found in the south west part of the bailey in 1850, some of flint and oolite set in yellow mortar as well as others of possibly Roman brick. A causeway of shingles laid on gravel ran towards the motte and human and other bones and pottery were found. (6)
HT 18 Listed as the possible site of a Roman villa. (7)
Scheduled. (8)
Waytemore Castle, remains of 11th and 12th century motte and bailey. Now public tennis courts and gardens, wooded with grand avenue. Grade I. (9)
Founded in the reignof William I, it was siezed by a would-be Bishop of London in 1137. Dismantled in 1137 and repaired 1213-4. A licence was granted in 1346, probably indicating a reoccupation of the site. (10) |