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Mountfitchet Castle And Norman Village, Essex

When the Normans invaded in 1066 they quickly built a series of castles, used as bases from which to terrorise and subdue the people of the surrounding countryside. The standard design was one meant for speedy construction. A huge mound of earth was thrown up, on top of which a wooden fort was built, with a further wooden enclosure at the bottom protecting the entrance to the mound. This was a motte and bailey castle. Because they were made of wood none of these original castles survived. Except for Chepstow Castle, which unusually was built in stone from the outset, other Norman castles that have come down to us today are the rebuilt models in stone. However, at Mountfitchet Castle near Stansted in Suffolk an original Norman motte and bailey castle has been recreated on its original site. There is also a recreation of a Norman village outside the castle. This imaginative presentation includes computerised figures who chat about Norman history.

Mountfitchet Castle was built by Robert Gernon, who came from Normandy with William the Conqueror, and was rewarded with a Lordship in this part of the country. Robert's son took the name Mountfitchet, by which name the castle has been known ever since. The castle remained in the Mountfitchet family until the thirteenth century, when Richard de Mountfitchet joined the group of barons opposing King John's power. In 1212 this opposition seems to have led to the destruction of Mountfitchet Castle by King John. Within a few years, however, the tide would turn somewhat, when in 1215 John was forced to sign the historic Magna Carta, the first document in English law setting down the right of citizens in the face of their rulers' power. Richard de Mountfitchet was one of twenty five barons charged with enforcing the observance of the Magna Carta.

Richard found favour under King John's successor Henry the Third, and had his estates restored to him. But Richard died without an heir and the Mountfitchet dynasty died out. The ruins of the castle lay undisturbed for seven hundred years until its eventual reconstruction.

Opening Times: The castle is open daily from 9th March 2008 to early November 10am - 5pm.

Dogs are not permitted, as there are many animals wandering freely around the site.

Directions: Leave the M11 at junction 8 and follow brown tourist signs to the centre of Stanstead Mountfitchet village. The railway station is right next to the site. Train travel time from London is about forty minutes. Click here for an interactive map cented on Mountfitchet Castle.

Access: wheelchair access is provided at the reception area, but the nature of the site makes it difficult for those with mobility problems. Adapted toilet facilities are available.

Contact:

telephone: 01279 813237

web site: www.mountfitchetcastle.com

e-mail: info@mountfitchetcastle.com