The Motte and Bailey Castle in Horsham, West Sussex.
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 гру 2019
- Who knew there was a Motte and Bailey Castle in Horsham in West Sussex. Not me, and I lived in Horsham as a boy.
The lovely Julia and I pop along to a piece of wasteland in the North East of the town to discover the old Norman defence, where soon after the invasion of 1066 a timber stronghold would have stood.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE SUPPORT THE BALD EXPLORER
My videos are funded by people like you. If you enjoy them, please help me make more:
Visit BaldExplorer.com to become a patron.
Or make a one off donation www.paypal.me/RichardVobes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAMERA GEAR USED IN MY PRODUCTIONS
Canon D200 : amzn.to/2RZ9Nta
Zoom Field Recorder F1 : amzn.to/2RGQqpG
Zyiun Smooth 3 Gimbal: amzn.to/2ubm3rA
GoPro Hero range: amzn.to/2wv8FiN
Rode Lavalier Mic: amzn.to/2vu3kst
Rode Smartphone mic: amzn.to/2vXE3Kr
Zoom H4n: amzn.to/2vXZuu6
Tascam DR-60Mk2: amzn.to/2eKEg9y
My children's books are here: richardvobes.com/ - Розваги
I’m always amazed at how the landscape holds the memory of previous habitation and structures long after the place has been abandoned, this probably explains the deep connection we have with the countryside.
If only more people had that deep connection with the landscape, then I think the world would be a better place.
"this probably explains the deep connection we have with the countryside."
An interesting observation. And ESPECIALLY true in England, I think - where practically every acre of land has a 'story' to tell.
It is relatively unknown in Horsham but I did a topic on Horsham history at school and found out about it when I was a kid. (I’d recommend trying to do a video at Horsham museum - it’s excellent.)
When the a264 (bypass) was first built in 1990, the castle was easily seen - the following 30 years (!! - how is it 30?) have seen the trees grow right up obscuring the earthworks from the road.
Hugh Braun discovered it from the train in 1935, so it must have been visible then.
Horsham Castle was built by William de Braose in the late eleventh century and abandoned by 1157.
So may have only lasted 60-80 years then?
May have moved to a moated manor house.
@@merietgenealogy The one immediately to the north of the site I guess.
@@MrNas42 William was first Lord/Baron of Bramber, so Horsham would have been a secondary site. He died 1096, as son Philip was Lord - died 1134 on crusade, son William as 3rd Lord - a powerful family.
That's the same chap who built the castle in Totnes in Devon. Would be interesting to do a comparison of his different castles.
Really interesting Richard, never heard of this before.
I bet there are other that lay undetected.
I've been living in Horsham since 1980 and never heard of this place... I plan to explore this very soon. Thanks Richard
So pleased to have introduced you to it.
Here’s the historic ‘listing’ of the site:
The monument includes the earthworks of a motte and bailey castle dating from the Norman period. The castle features a central mound, or motte, which has been raised up to 2.2m above the level of the surrounding land to form an originally circular summit which would usually have been the site of a wooden keep. Around the motte was dug a broad moat averaging 10m across, the western and southern arms of which are occupied by the present Chennells Brook, the eastern side surviving as a marked dry ditch. West of the motte is the bailey area, a quadrangular courtyard 75m long by 25m-55m wide, which is again defended by an outer ditch, in this case some 7m wide. The whole area would originally have been surrounded by water channelled from the stream. On the south side of the bailey ditch is a causeway which may represent the original entrance to the castle. In addition to these earthworks, the former stream channel, which was altered when the castle was constructed, survives on the northern, western and southern sides. The former stream was incorporated into the castle design by creating a marshy area for additional defence. The castle was approached by a causeway from the dry ground to the south. The present course of the Chennells Brook dates from after the castle's abandonment and crosses the earthworks in several places, including the approach causeway at the southern edge of the castle area. The motte has also been altered to its present kidney-shaped summit as a result of erosion by the stream. All fences in the area of the monument are excluded from scheduling, allthough the ground beneath is included.
It is a shame there are no signs or boards to promote/explain the castle's existance.
Richard Vobes - I know, that’s very odd!
@@MrGreatplum I'm curious as to how a 2.2 metre high mote could have been viewed from a train 500 metres away! Also I've found pictures of a good information board that is located somewhere on the site. I've uploaded it to the Bald Explorer Group Facebook page.
Nigel Sadler - it’s much closer than that to the main road
We didn't see any boards near the entrance gate or dotted about - but could have missed it I suppose.
I missed this one . Great stuff.
Hi you two. The videos of cooking, Kevin and you two are my favourite...very cosy and easy and comforting to watch.
Great stuff - I am so pleased you enjoy them.
Beautiful walk 👍🏻
I bet having to leave the heritage sight alone and build around it, must have really miffed the developer/boy builders. he he I'm so glad.
Fascinating stuff. It would be a great area to test out your new drone!
Oh yes - I must get the thing up and running.
Wow that was interesting, I never know that much about horsham, but i would g have guessed there was a mott and balily castle! They was a great video l. Well done 👍
Thanks , George. A good discovery for me.
Now that's what I call proper exploring, absolutely fascinating.
Thanks very much
Exciting! I love your true 'exploring the unknown' (or at least not sure about!) videos. I wonder if it's been properly surveyed? I'll check out the LiDAR maps later. Another visit in deep winter when the vegetation will be less might help. Perhaps Marq English and his dowsing team could join you for your own survey? Your new drone could come into its own too.
A drone shot of the site would be lovely - but no boards, no on site information. Very sad. People walk their dog and have no idea.
@@RichardVobes apparently, there is a good info board somewhere on the site. See your BE FB page for a pic I've uploaded.
Richard Vobes - yes, it would be great if Nigel could find out more. The function of these small motte and bailey castles was to facilitate domination of the Anglo-Saxon population with relatively few knights. As you said the Normans didn't come to settle and integrate. They came to rule, to tax and dominate. When trouble blew up the Knights could quickly re-enter the castle for safety.
Blimey, a castle within less than a mile form my own little "castle".Who'd have thought?
There you go!
My other half lives in Horsham and never knew this my self ! Will have to visit here myself
Well worth a visit.
You talked the other day about playing by the creek and exploring about when you were a youngster, well I and every other kid I knew did likewise growing up in the late 60's ~ 70's here in the U.S. But I'll tell you it's been years since I've seen kids out playing like we used to, I guess they stay inside and play video games and such. I think they're missing out on making that connection you get when you're young and exploring, it gives you roots and so much more. It's a dam shame.
You are so right - the connection with the landscape seems to be missing from a lot of people's lives.
Awesome place!!! And I heard you mention as you were walking - an area that was a-heritage site💚 which I personally would love to see more natural places +ancient monuments listed on the world heritage site list!!!💚over here we have- world heritage site's but also have what's called the historical register list for ancient landscapes+structure's and it's great!!! Because once a place has been listed it can never be demolished or developed upon!!!
Let's hope they do build on these heritage sites,.
There used to be a sign board explaining and illustrating how it would have looked. I suppose has been taken away.
I believe it has been removed sadly.
nice light and photo of trees and rocky stuff. I lament the noise of the world rushing bye.
Oh the bloody noise of the cars!
if i understand the history, motte and bailey castles were introduced by the French. when William the Conqueror conquered England, he divided up the land to loyal people. i would imagine some minor lord built the castle to lord it over the locals (pun intended) and keep them in line.
thank you again, Richard, Julia, and Joseph!
That is pretty much what happened, yes.
Brits: anti-clockwise. Americans: counter clockwise.
Yep
Chennelsbrook Castle was built after the Norman Conquest as the northernmost of the chain of castles through the Rape of Bramber, comprising Bramber, Knepp, Sedgwick and Chennelsbrook by the de Braose family.
The River Adur would have been a lot wider and navigable for shipping as far as Bramber in the 11th Century, and the chain of castles were not only a defence against invasion but also the hostile English landscape in the early days of the Norman Conquest.
Thanks for the extra information.
Found this on a map about 10 years ago and went and had a look round the site. As the video shows the mound the bailey sat on has largely disappeared.
An interesting site to roam around.
Lovely walk. No idea it existed but hate the sound of the ever present traffic
I read it is thought it was built as a hunting lodge
How many hunting lodges do they need - I thought Knepp castle was one too! :)
If it is a Norman construction it would be ordered by the de Braose family who fought with William 1st at Hastings.
Horsham isn't listed in the doomsday survey as it formed a part of the de braose manor of Washington a few miles to the south.
It is mentioned by the Saxons as it was a major marketplace. The de Braoses owned a huge chunk of this part of the weald he
also built a fortification to protect Horsham from the southeast at Sedgewick. These fortifications are statements of intent to control
and a place of refuge for Normans and their followers. It is a little known fact that Normans were being bumped off in regular fashion
especially in forested areas throughout the time of early occupation so much so that William 1st instigated the laws that relate to
Murdrum or Murder as we now call it.
Oh I bet they were being bumped off. The Anglo-Saxon resistance at work - 'Are you listening carefully, I will say this only once'! :)
The castle is Horsham only scheduled Monument in the town.
Golly - it is amazing t think there is only one scheduled monument in Horsham - and yet there are no signs or interpretation boards.
Wrong there is another castle just on the outskirts of Horsham near sedgewick which is a scheduled monument also
@@GTO2710 is that Sedgwick Castle?
Do love a medieval investigation
I need to do more.