More information : [Centred SK 2936 2317] Bretby Castle [GT] (site of) [TI] (1)
Permission to fortify Bretby was granted by Edward I. In 1585, the
castle passed to the Stanhopes, and soon afterwards it was
demolished. The extensive, mound covered foundations seem to indicate two courts. There are the remains of a moat on the west
side. (2-3)
Re-surveyed at 1:2500. The published site of Bretby Castle falls on a low-lying platform overlooked by rising ground to the north and west. It is partially enclosed on these sides by the mutilated remains of a single ditch or moat. All traces of any defences on
the south and east have been obliterated, and there is no evidence of any outworks. Three small rectangular enclosures at the southern end of the platform may constitute the sites of minor buildings. The whole site has been greatly disturbed by surface quarrying, and encroached upon by modern development. The impression gained, however, is of a single moated enclosure, and this in conjunction with a generally poor defensive position, implies a probable fortified manor house. (4)
Report of 14.8.62 correct. 1/2500 survey revised. (5)
The Bretby Castle site was mapped from good quality APs as part of the RCHME's National Forest Project. The following features were identified:- three sides of an earthwork defensive moat (centred at SK 2930 2314); three earthwork fishponds seen as rectangular depressions 15-50m long (centred at SK 2940 2309) and three earthwork enclosures, roughly square, 20-30m across (located at SK 2943 2316 and SK 2957 2329). Morph Numbers FR.120.2.1 - 2.7.
The site of Bretby Castle is covered with extensive earthworkss that probably represent the trenches created by the robbing of stone from the foundations (FR.120.3.1 - 3.5). (6)
Listed by Cathcart King. (8) |