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Archaeology, Sites to See

Wymondley Motte and Bailey

Motte and bailey castle, and Romano-British or medieval earthworks, Great Wymondley. This motte and bailey is a small but well-preserved example of early post-Conquest castle design (see 6). It stands near the parish church of St Mary which dates to the early 12th century, and was probably built at about the same time. The motte is approximately 28m in diameter at the base and about 2.5m high, and the bailey measures approximately 25m x 28m. Both are enclosed by a bank, and a moat about 2m deep, which is now mainly dry.

An unusual feature of this castle is its close association with the large ditched rectangular enclosure, measuring about 175m x 100m, which lies immediately adjacent to it. The two appear to be linked by a ditch which extends from the motte and bailey. The enclosure is often referred to as a medieval manorial site, but its origins are unclear - excavations in 1822 retrieved large quantities of Roman pottery in addition to medieval pottery - and it may in fact be a Romano-British earthwork, which was re-used to become part of the castle layout when the motte and bailey was built.

Turn up the track next to St Mary’s Church. Park and walk along the footpath to the far end of the churchyard, where a stile gives access to the site. The motte, which is very overgrown is immediately on your left, and the footpath continues across the small bailey. The bank and moat of the bailey are clearly visible. The footpath then runs to the left across the rectangular earthworks of the large enclosure. Grid reference TL 2156 2850.

Map showing Wymondley Motte and Bailey