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were superseded by other types of castle.
Details
The monument includes Lavendon Castle, a motte and bailey castle with two
associated lesser enclosures. The motte has been reduced and modified from
its original form so that today it survives as a low flat-topped platform some
80m in diameter and up to 1.4m high: the proportions suggest that the motte
was never of great height. The perimeter scarp of the platform remains intact
around its southern and western arcs only, the north and east sides being
disturbed and overlain by 17th century farm buildings. Sections of a once
surrounding ditch are visible around the northern and southern quarters of the
platform, the former in the shape of a small pond 30m long by 10m wide. The
main bailey lies adjacent to the north-eastern side of the motte, though
details of the actual junction are today obscured by modern farm buildings.
The bailey comprises a rectangular enclosure with internal dimensions of some
130m north-west to south-east by some 70m north-east to south-west. This is
bounded by an internal rampart of massive proportions which stands up to 4m
high along its eastern side. Outside this rampart is an equally substantial
ditch up to 2.9m deep and 10m wide which may have linked with that surrounding
the motte at its north-western and south-western corners; ponds exist today in
both of these areas. The interior of the bailey is approached by an original
and slightly inturned entrance midway along its south-eastern side. A second
possible entrance, modified by later mutilation, links the interior of the
main bailey to a secondary enclosure adjacent to its north-western
side. This secondary enclosure has dimensions of 160m north-west to
south-east by 90m transversely. It is non-defensive in nature and, though an
integral part of the medieval complex, post-dates the main bailey, abutting
onto its western side. It is enclosed around its uphill north side by a low
bank 0.9m high and around its southern side by a scarp 2.5m high. Apart from
the entrance to the main bailey a second simple entrance is located midway
along the north-western side. A roughly circular mound 15m in diameter and up
to 1m high lies immediately outside of this enclosure at its north-western
corner and may be associated. A third enclosure lies adjacent to the northern
side of the motte, the southern side being formed by the motte itself. It
measures some 110m south-west to north-east and is up to 50m wide, bounded by
a bank up to 2m high with an outer ditch 5m wide and 0.5m deep; it is
contemporary with the other elements of the complex. Other lesser earthworks
in the form of linear banks, surface undulations and an old hollow way lie in
the field to the immediate south and are probably associated.
Little is known of the history of the site though a castle at Lavendon is
recorded as early as 1192 when the occupier was Henry of Clinton. It is
believed to have been built by the baronial family of Bidun, who held the
manor in the 12th century before later passing into the hands of the Pevers.
A reference in 1231 mentions a chapel on the site with the abbot of Lavendon
Abbey being responsible for services twice weekly. The castle seems to have
been demolished by the 1530s. All farm buildings, including the 17th century
farmhouse, structures, access roads and boundaries are excluded from the
scheduling though the ground beneath is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
19063
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
