Cockroad Wood Castle, Charlton Musgrove, Somerset: Analytical Earthwork Survey and Investigation
Author(s): Sarah Newsome, Mark Bowden, Matthew Bristow
In February 2025 Historic England undertook the first detailed analytical earthwork survey of Cockroad Wood Castle, Somerset. This survey and investigation forms part of a Countryside Stewardship Management scheme for the scheduled monument. The castle is situated on a ridge and, though currently surrounded by dense woodland, would have had extensive views to the west. It comprises a motte with a bailey to the south and a second enclosure to the north. It probably dates to the late 11th or 12th century but may have been abandoned by the end of the 12th century when the area became part of the royal forest of Selwood. Improved understanding of the layout and form of the castle that has emerged from this survey and a subsequent geophysical survey has enabled informed comparison with other castles in Somerset and neighbouring counties, especially those of its probable builder, Walter of Douai, one of the principal followers of William the Conqueror
- Report Number:
- 89/2025
- Series:
- Research Report
- Pages:
- 32
- Keywords:
- Medieval Castle Earthwork
