Daw's Castle

Daw's Castle is a sea cliff hillfort situated on an east-west spur of land just west of Watchet, a harbour town in Somerset, England.

History

• Daw's Castle may be of Iron Age origin, but it was rebuilt and fortified as a burh by King Alfred around 878 AD, as part of his defense against Viking raids from the Bristol Channel.
• The fort would have been one of a chain of forts and coastal lookout posts, connected by the Herepath, or military road, which allowed Alfred to move his army along the coast, covering Viking movements at sea.
• Excavations have revealed two phases of defence: a first phase with a mortared wall fronting an earth bank from this period, and a second phase in late 9th or early 10th centuries against Viking invaders.

In the Burghal Hidage of 919, nearby Watchet is attributed 513 hides, which converts to a defensive perimeter of approximately 645 meters. However, it is unclear whether this refers to the walls of the town or the fort high on the cliff above.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records Viking raids on Watchet in 914 and 987, with another raid in 997 resulting in much evil wrought through burning and manslaughter.

A Saxon mint was established at Watchet in 1035, which is believed to have been within the fort rather than in the town below.

Architecture

• Daw's Castle is a Scheduled Monument and features a tapering spur of land bounded by the Washford River to the south.
• The ramparts of the fort would have formed a semicircle backing onto the sheer cliffs, but coastal erosion has reduced the size of the enclosure, leaving only approximately 300 meters of ramparts visible today.

The fort's architecture is characterized by a combination of Iron Age and Anglo-Saxon features, with two distinct phases of defence. The first phase features a mortared wall fronting an earth bank, while the second phase features a more fortified structure against Viking invaders.

Location

Daw's Castle is situated on Cleeve Hill, just west of Watchet, a harbour town in Somerset, England.

The fort is located approximately 80 meters above the sea and is bounded by the Washford River to the south.

Watchet is a charming harbour town with a rich history, and Daw's Castle is one of its most notable landmarks. The town is situated on the Bristol Channel, which has played an important role in Watchet's history as a major port and centre for trade.

Current Status and Use

Daw's Castle is currently owned by English Heritage and is open to the public.

Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its rich history through interactive displays and guided tours.

The castle's current status is that of a Scheduled Monument, which means it is protected by law and is considered of national importance. Efforts are being made to preserve the site and ensure its continued accessibility for future generations.

Heritage Status

• Daw's Castle has been designated as a Scheduled Monument, which recognizes its cultural and historical significance.

Daw's Castle has been designated as a Scheduled Monument, which recognizes its cultural and historical significance. As part of this designation, the castle is protected by law and is subject to regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its preservation.

Visiting Information

• Visitors can explore Daw's Castle through guided tours or self-guided visits.
• The fort is open throughout the year, although some facilities may be closed during periods of bad weather.
• Guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, and last approximately 45 minutes.

Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which features stunning views of the Bristol Channel and the Somerset coastline.

Notable Features and Rooms

• The Mortared Wall: A well-preserved example of an Iron Age mortared wall, which forms part of the fort's defensive structure.
• The Earth Bank: A large earth bank that forms part of the fort's defensive perimeter.
• The Saxon Mint: A historic mint that was established at Watchet in 1035 and is believed to have been located within the fort.

These features provide a glimpse into the castle's rich history and cultural significance, and offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of Somerset's most important landmarks.