Pilsbury Castle

Pilsbury Castle

Pilsbury Castle was a Norman Castle in Derbyshire near the present day village of Pilsbury, overlooking the River Dove. Its origins and history are shrouded in mystery, but it was part of the extensive estates granted to Henry de Ferrers (sometimes spelt Ferrars), by King William.

By the twentieth century there was little to see except for a mound on a limestone outcrop and the remains of various earthworks. At the beginning of the present century, however, archaeological surveys have revealed the foundations of a substantial Norman motte and bailey castle.

A clue to its origins lies in the record that the two manors of Hartington were valued at 40s. in 1066 but were waste twenty years later. This was in line with Williams policy of laying waste, or "harrying", rebel areas of the country, and the castle may have been built to retain control. This would have to be confirmed by, for instance, archaeological assays of layers of ash. [Turbutt, G., (1999) "A History of Derbyshire. Volume 2: Medieval Derbyshire," Cardiff: Merton Priory Press] Another suggestion is that it was built by Robert de Ferrers or his father, around the period known as The Anarchy for, while the de Ferrers supported Stephen of England, the neighbouring Earl of Chester supported Empress Matilda. [Landon, N. Ash, P. Payne, A. Phillips, G, (2006) "Pilsbury: A Forgotten Castle," Derbyshire Archaeological Journal, Vol 126; Pp 82‑102]

It is thought that it was built of timber as was usual in the early days and, by the next century, seems to have passed out of use. It may be that it was destroyed after William de Ferrers' part in the Revolt of 1173–1174, or it might have become abandoned when the land passed to the Duchy of Lancaster after the sixth Earl was dispossessed. It may simply have become redundant as nearby Hartington grew in importance.

References

External links

* [http://www.pilsburycastle.org.uk/home_frameset.html Pilsbury Castle website]
*


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Pilsbury — Infobox UK place country = England static static image caption=Pilsbury from the gated road. This substantial farmhouse has extensive views over the valley below. latitude = 53.16 longitude = 1.82 map type = Derbyshire official name =… …   Wikipedia

  • Pilsbury — Recorded as Pilbury and Pilsbury and possibly other forms, this is an English surname. It is locational from the village of Pilsbury in Derbyshire, first recorded in the famous Domesday Book of 1085 as Pilesburie . The actual meaning is open to… …   Surnames reference

  • Duffield Castle, Derbyshire — Duffield Castle today Duffield Castle was a Norman Castle in Duffield, Derbyshire. The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It was on a rocky promontory facing the river, easily defended, though it is debatable whether it was inhabited in… …   Wikipedia

  • Codnor Castle — Coordinates: 53°2′43.5″N 1°21′17.1″W / 53.045417°N 1.35475°W / 53.045417; 1.35475 …   Wikipedia

  • Henry de Ferrers — (also known as Henri de Ferrières) was a Norman soldier from a noble family who took part in the conquest of England and is believed to have fought at the Battle of Hastings of 1066 and, in consequence, was rewarded with much land in the subdued… …   Wikipedia

  • Hartington — infobox UK place country = England latitude= 53.13 longitude= 1.82 official name= Hartington map type= Derbyshire population = shire district= Derbyshire Dales shire county = Derbyshire region= East Midlands constituency westminster= West… …   Wikipedia

  • Chatsworth House — across the River Derwent, with the Hunting Tower visible above Chatsworth House is a stately home in North Derbyshire, England, 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northeast of Bakewell and 9 miles (14 km) west of Chesterfield (GB Grid SK260700). It is… …   Wikipedia

  • Ardotalia — (Melandra Castle) The fort today looking towards Longdendale …   Wikipedia

  • Derwent Valley Mills — Derwent Valley Mills * UNESCO World Heritage Site Country Unit …   Wikipedia

  • Dovedale — Coordinates: 53°03′35″N 1°46′36″W / 53.0597°N 1.7767°W / 53.0597; 1.7767 …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”