The small Essex village of Mount Bures is named for the Norman castle mound, or motte, which rises near the 12th-century parish church of St John the Baptist.
History
The motte was probably erected by Roger de Poitou, one of the powerful new Norman nobility who took control of England following William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings.
William awarded Roger de Poitou the lordship of Bures in late 1066, so it seems that the most likely date of the motte building is 1067 or 1068, when Roger moved in to consolidate his hold over his new lands.
However, at least one local historian suggests that the Mount Bures castle motte was erected by the Sackville family during the turmoil of the Civil War between King Stephen and Queen Maud (early to mid 12th century).
What to See
The mound was almost certainly surmounted by a wooden palisade, no trace of which now remains. The base of the mound is about 200 feet across, and it rises to about 35 feet. According to an account in 1763 it was then 80 feet high, and much worn, so that the original height was estimated at 100 feet high.
At the base of the mound is a ditch, now dry, but records indicate that there was a moat here as late as the 18th century. The ditch is about 10 feet deep and 30-40 feet wide.
A modern wooden stair now runs up the side of the motte to enable visitor access, and to protect the mound from the wear and tear of too many people climbing up the sides. There are excellent views out over the valley of the River Stour and north into Suffolk.
The motte was augmented by a bailey enclosure, which may have occupied the same space as the current churchyard.
The motte can be visited at any reasonable time, and there is a rather worn sign explaining the history of the site. The path to the motte is signed from the church parking area. And speaking of the church, don't visit the castle without taking a minute or two to explore the church; its a really interesting old building.
UPDATE: A recent visitor to Mount Bures has informed me that the gate to the motte site is locked and there are signs saying to keep out. You should still be able to see much of the site from outside the gates, vegetation allowing, but you won't be able to access the motte itself. If I learn any more details, I will post them here.
More Photos
About Mount Bures Castle Motte
Address: Hall Road, Mount Bures, Essex, England
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: On Hall Road (the road to Wakes Colne), beside the church, off the B1508 south of Bures Hamlet.
Website: Mount Bures Castle Motte
Location map
OS: TL904325
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions
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Find other attractions tagged with:
12th century (Time Period) - 18th century (Time Period) - 8th century (Time Period) - castle (Architecture) - Civil War (Architecture) - King Stephen (Person) - moat (Historical Reference) - Norman (Architecture) - Queen Maud (Person) - William the Conqueror (Person)
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Mount Bures, St John's Church - 0 miles (Historic Church) 
Bures, St Mary's Church - 0.9 miles (Historic Church)
St Stephen's Chapel - 1.4 miles (Historic Church) 
Wormingford, St Andrew's Church - 1.8 miles (Historic Church)
Wissington, St Mary's Church - 3.2 miles (Historic Church)
Little Horkesley Church - 3.6 miles (Historic Church)
West Bergholt, St Mary's Church - 4.1 miles (Historic Church)
Newton Green, All Saints Church - 5.5 miles (Historic Church)
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