Tapton Motte, Chesterfield

In the civil parish of Chesterfield.
In the historic county of Derbyshire (Modern Authority of Derbyshire, 1974 county of Derbyshire).

Large mound, believed to be a probable medieval motte, which may have later been used as a windmill mound or a gazebo. The motte is 36m in diameter and 2m high with a flat top 20m in diameter planted with small trees and shrubs. There are no traces of a ditch. It is slightly mutilated on the north by the digging of potting soil and tipping rubbish. There is no evidence for a bailey. (Smith suggests this is the site of Chesterfield Castle mentioned 1266)

This site has been described as a;
Timber Castle.
The confidence that this site is a medieval fortification or palace is Possible.
Earthworks remains.

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law.

The Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference is SK39167214

Modern Map from

Good for landscape form and features

Modern Map from

Good for general location

Air Photo from

1st edition OS Map from

Sources of information, references and further reading

PastScape number; 314366

Books

Salter, Mike, 2002, The Castles of the East Midlands (Malvern) p29 [slight]
Smith, Michael E., 1992, Castles and Manor Houses in and around Derbyshire (Derby)
King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol1 p111 [possible]
Cox, 1905, in Page, Wm (ed), VCH Derbyshire Vol1 p375

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This record last updated on Friday, April 6, 2007

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