Reasons for Designation
Motte and bailey castles are medieval fortifications introduced into Britain by the Normans. They comprised a large conical mound of earth or rubble, the motte, surmounted by a palisade and a stone or timber tower. In a majority of examples an embanked enclosure containing additional buildings, the bailey, adjoined the motte. Motte castles and motte-and-bailey castles acted as garrison forts during offensive military operations, as strongholds, and, in many cases, as aristocratic residences and as centres of local or royal administration. Built in towns, villages and open countryside, motte and bailey castles generally occupied strategic positions dominating their immediate locality and, as a result, are the most visually impressive monuments of the early post-Conquest period surviving in the modern landscape. Over 600 motte castles or motte-and-bailey castles are recorded nationally, with examples known from most regions. As one of a restricted range of recognised early post-Conquest monuments, they are particularly important for the study of Norman Britain and the development of the feudal system. Although many were occupied for only a short period of time, motte castles continued to be built and occupied from the 11th to the 13th centuries, after which they were superseded by other types of castle. Despite surface stone quarrying, partial early excavation and limited cultivation, the motte and bailey castle called Cardinham Castle survives comparatively well and will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, longevity, strategic, military, social and political significance, domestic arrangements, abandonment and overall landscape context.
Details
The monument includes a motte and bailey castle, situated on the summit of a step ridge, overlooking the valley of a tributary to the River Fowey. The motte survives as a circular steep sided mound standing up to 4m high with an irregular profile. It is surrounded by a partially buried outer ditch. The bailey lies to the south east and is roughly rectangular in plan. It measures approximately 80m by 60m internally and is defined by a rampart bank and ditch. Beyond this, a counterscarp bank surrounds much of the perimeter.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 455
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
