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Lewisham Castle, Aldbourne Chase
In the civil parish of Aldbourne.
In the historic county of Wiltshire (Modern Authority of Wiltshire, 1974 county of Wiltshire).
Rather weak and damaged earthwork. Ringwork. Overall diameter 68m. The earthwork is strongest at the South-West (uphill) weakening towards the North-East quadrant where the outer ditch is ploughed out. The bank platform at SU24347386, suggests a mound that has been overthrown inwardly, exposing much of the flint content. Flints are prolific over the site and its surrounds. The site occupies a position at the head of a small coombe, and below the adjacent ridge. This does not altogether support the view of a purely military site, but suggests the re-use of a pre-existing pastoral feature such as that in Blakes Copse. It is well-situated to have functioned as a hunting lodge. Creighton suggests this may have been constructed/used by mercenaries of Louis the Dauphin in April 1217 and thus have an origin/use as a fieldwork similar to a siege castle.
This site has been described as a;
Timber Castle
Siege Work.
The confidence
that this site is a medieval fortification or palace is Certain.
Earthworks remains.
This site is a scheduled
monument protected by law.
The Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference is SU24357386
PastScape number;
225346
Books
- Salter, Mike, 2002, The Castles of Wessex (Malvern) p92
King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol2 p498
Pugh, R.B. and Crittall, Elizabeth (ed), 1957, VCH Wiltshire Vol1 pt1 p261
Journal Articles
- Creighton, O.H., 2000, 'Early Castles in the Medieval Landscape of Wiltshire' Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine Vol93 p108
Stevenson, J.H., 1992, 'The castles of Marlborough and Ludgershall in the Middle Ages' Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine Vol85 p74
1987, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine Vol81 p12
Philips, B. and R., 1969, CBA Group12 &13 Archaeological Review Vol4 p58
King, D.J.C. and Alcock, L., 1969, 'Ringworks in England and Wales' Château Gaillard Vol3 p90-127
Brentnall, H.C., 1945-7, 'Lewisham Castle [Note]' Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine Vol51 p472-3
Carrington, F.A., 1855, 'Intrenchments at Aldbourne' Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine Vol2 p126-9
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