Bedfordshire is not blessed with an abundance of castles. Many of those that survive are little more than mounds covered with turf and softened by the passage of centuries. Some, like Bedford Castle, live on as much in the names of surrounding streets as in blocks of stone that we can view today.
Bedford Castle, little more than an unrecognizable mound today, was first built as a motte in the 11th century, and later a shell keep was added, to be followed by a round tower with curtain walls. The castle acted as an important administrative centre, and several Sherrifs of Buckinghamshire - yes, Bucks, not Beds - used it as their official seat.
Bedford,
Bedfordshire,
England
Once a motte and bailey castle, there is nothing to be seen here now; in fact, the location of the castle was not discovered until 1954, when aerial photography revealed the shape. Excavations were undertaken in the 1960s, but the site has since regrown.
Biggleswade,
Bedfordshire,
England
The remains of a late 11th or early 12th century motte and bailey castle with three baileys! As far as we know the castle was occupied until the Black Death, which seems to have decimated the population of the castle and nearby village of Cainhoe.
Clophill,
Bedfordshire,
England
Meagre remains of a 12th century motte and bailey. The site has been the subject of several archaeological excavations in conjunction with the Bedfordshire Archaeology Council.
Chalgrave,
Toddington,
Bedfordshire,
England
The castle at Meppershall was built by William de Meppershall, a royal official. In the 17th century a timber-framed manor house was built on the castle remains. more...
Meppershall,
Bedfordshire,
England
What little remains of the castle at Odell stands beside the church on high ground above the village green. The castle was built by Walter Flandrensis, a Norman adherent of William the Conqueror. more...
High Street,
Odell,
Bedfordshire,
England
Also known as Bury Hills, Thurleigh Castle is the remains of a motte and bailey castle, though little beyond the motte still survives in a recognizable form. more...
Thurleigh,
Bedfordshire,
England
The castle stands on a mound beside Toddington church - in fact little remains but the mound. Apparently, local legends tell that a witch is imprisoned within the castle mound and that if you put your ear to the ground on Easter you can hear her cooking pancakes! more...
Toddington,
Bedfordshire,
England
Like many of Bedfordshire's castles, Yielden is little more than a mound with a history. The 12th century motte and bailey castle has long disappeared, though traces of later medieval masonry additions can still be seen today. more...
Yielden,
Bedfordshire,
England
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