Ardley Castle

Ardley Castle was a motte and bailey fortification erected in the 12th century during the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda at the site of Offa of Mercia's old encampment.

History

• Ardley Castle was initially a manor site raised to a small castle by Hugh of Avranches, Earl of Chester to protect his lands from the chaos of war.
• The castle may have been constructed without the consent and permission of the monarch, making it an adulterine castle.
• During the war between Stephen and Matilda, the castle was occasionally used by Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester.
• In 1136, the castle was attacked, but the attackers were repulsed.
• After the death of Ranulf, it was decided in the Treaty of Wallingford in 1153 that all adulterine castles would be demolished.

Architecture

The remains of Ardley Castle include an oval enclosure one hundred yards (91 m) in diameter, with a shallow ditch and a derelict moat.

Location

Ardley Castle is located at Castle Fields in Oxfordshire, England, within the Cherwell District.

Current Status and Use

The castle was either demolished by hand or abandoned during Henry II's reign, leaving only ruins.

In 1823, it was reported that only the ruins of the castle remained.

The existence of certain subterranean tunnels connecting the manor house came to light in the same year.

Heritage Status

Ardley Castle is a notable historical site, but no specific heritage status has been assigned to it.

Visiting Information

Visitors can view the remains of Ardley Castle at Castle Fields.

However, no guided tours or official access points are available.

Notable Features and Rooms

The only notable feature remaining is the oval enclosure with its shallow ditch and derelict moat.

No rooms have survived to the present day.