More information : Castle Wall. The outer wall, which has been strengthened by several round towers,is now broken down in many places. (1)
Castle Wall: Apart from rebuilt stretches on the west and
north, which have an outer facing of ashlar, the whole curtain wall is
of rubble with a roughly coursed face.It is set out in short
straight lengths,the angles of junction being bonded with ashlar
blocks. Except for a short length, the external wall base is strongly
splayed,and this is carried round the base of the towers.
On the south face of the curtain wall,solid semi-circular turrets of
different sizes project or projected at intervals.Three survive,and
there are likely to have been others in the positions shown on the
plan [See AO/59/315/6.] The northen face of the curtain,where there
are no towers,was strengthened by three ashlar-faced pilaster
buttresses.The curtain wall is not bonded into the Keep,and it is
clear that the latter was built first (c1180-90),with the curtain
probably following shortly afterwards. (2)
The castle wall,which has an average width of 2.7 metres,is composed
of ashlar stone on the exterior with a rubble core.Vertical columns
of larger stones at approx.10.0 metre intervals form a feature of
the wall and are used for keeping the wall layers level during
construction.The wall varies in height from approx 5.0m to 9.0m
being much broken in places.Its course is complete except in the SW
where there is a small portion measuring 3.0m by 2.0m [at SK 5144
9888] and visible foundations [from SK 5144 9887 to SK 5146 9887]
but there is no trace from SK 5146 9887 to SK 5147 9887 and from SK
5144 988 to SK 5144 9887.At the north-eastern corner of the inner
ward there are remains of stone steps which may have led to a
postern gate or tower.
See plan and photographs for extent and condition reports.
GP/53/18/7,GP/53/20/4.5.6.7.8. (3)
Authy 2. gives a very clear picture of this feature as it exists
today.The splaying is a predominant factor and commences between 3 &
4 metres from ground level around the outside face.The portion of
single thickness wall shown on the accompanying 25" at the S side of
the inner ward,is a length of rubble core neither faced or
coursed.It is partly buried in the motte and rises from ground level
E & W to the highest portion at the solid centre which is 3.3m high
on the S side and flush with ground level on the N.At the other
breaks in the curtain wall the foundation stones can be traced
protruding from the surface of the ground. (4)
Condition unchanged. (5)
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