Elsdon Castle

If you are into Norman Motte and Bailey castles from the 12th century, and to be honest, who isn't, then you won't see a finer example that this beauty up in Elsdon.

Elsdon Castle was built in 1076 by Robert De Umfraville, relative of William the Conqueror. It was originally an earth and timber motte and bailey fortification. The bailey, or courtyard was protected by a high bank and ditch covered in thorns, known as the hedgehog.

It was occupied for around 200 years before it was superseded by Harbottle Castle as a consequence of the civil wars.

It is one of the finest examples in England of an early 12th century Norman Castle, and you can clearly see where the original motte and bailey would have been.

Here is a bit more information on the two possible routes up.

The pink P is where the parking is. If you are feeling adventurous, then follow the blue path back up the main road where you will find a gate on the right giving you access to the hill. That is the way I took as wasn't aware of the alternate route until I got up there. It was very steep though.

The better route is the orange route which takes you up a track towards a house. At the top there is a little bridge and an information board about the castle.