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Castles in Shropshire

Home What and Why When and Who Norman Origins Documentary Evidence Numbers Building Materials Early Castle Types
Design for Defence: Inside the Castle Design for Defence: Castle Perimeter Castle as Home and Fortified Manor Houses Other Functions Castle under Siege Decline Interesting Facts Visiting Castles

Castles had been a common feature in France, and particularly Normandy, as early as AD994. England, on the other hand, did not have any castles. Instead it had other types of defensive structures, such as Iron Age hillforts like Old Oswestry, which operated as communal places of refuge rather than fortified private homes.

Aerial Photograph Showing Old Oswestry Hillfort, SMR

Compare these two aerial photographs.

Aerial Photograph Showing More Motte and Bailey Castle, SMR

What differences can you see between the Iron Age hillfort at Oswestry and the motte and bailey castle at More?

This Learning Zone was researched, written and designed by Natalie Gibbs whilst working as a Volunteer.


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