Castle Pulverbatch Motte and Bailey Castle, Shropshire
Pulverbatch, Shropshire is a pleasant village on the minor road which takes the most direct route to the Long Mynd from Shrewsbury centre, passing through Longden and climbing onto the Mynd, after the hamlet of Bridges.Here are the remains of two motte and bailey castles, both are scheduled ancient monuments about 1,000 years old.
Norman Invasion
They were needed when in 1066 a Norman expedition from France invaded and conquered England.The Norman dynasty established by William the Conqueror, ruled England for over half a century and his successors beyond, and was disliked by all, and hated by many.
The Welsh Marches is said to have the highest number of motte and bailey remains in the UK.
The Normans Were Unable to Conquer the Welsh
Most likely this was due to the inability of the Normans to conquer the Welsh, resulting in frequent incursions by marauding Welshmen at that time.Pulverbatch Motte and Bailey Location and Features
Castle Pulverbatch motte and double bailey castle is situated on a ridge to the south of Pulverbatch village.It overlooks the village, and the ancient valley route, from Shrewsbury to Bishops Castle (now a green lane at this point).
Roger Venator - Invader Who Took Over the Castle
The manor of Castle Pulverbatch was held by Roger Venator in 1086, and it's likely he built the castle.The castle is first mentioned in 1153, but it was not used for long, probably not even for 50 years.
What You Will See if You Visit Pulverbatch Castle (Motte and Bailey)
There were once two baileys, and there are still substantial ditches, mounds, and banks to explore.
On the south-east side, the natural hills lope was cut back, to create a defensive steep scarp slope.
A ditch runs along along the western side of the north-east bailey.
The castle has an extensive view over the surrounding countryside, and would have been particularly easy to defend.
Visit and explore! (There is a car park.)
Watch this video on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/ufbyxMpAh84
Text sources were: http://www.pulverbatch.org.uk and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motte-and-bailey_castle
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