In the latest in a series of historical features, Paul Harding, from Discover History, tells how a castle was built and lost in city

In 1066, William the Conqueror was victorious at the Battle of Hastings. King Harold had been slain and the Saxon people were forced to follow their new Norman ruler. The Normans relied on powerful Barons, skilled mounted Knights and ruled the countryside from timber castles. These early castles were called Motte and Bailey castles, due to the mound (Motte) and the palisaded courtyard (Bailey.)

Urse d’Abbot was appointed the first Norman Sheriff of Worcester, and was ordered to build a castle south of the settlement, on the bend of the river.

Between 1068 and 1069, local people were used to move tons of earth and rock to create the Motte. A timber tower was constructed on the top, and a palisade built around the Bailey. A gate house and water filled moat was also dug, fed by Frog Brook and the river.

The Bailey encroached onto the grave yard of Worcester Cathedral, whereby it is said that Ealdred, Archbishop of York was disgusted to the point he cursed the castle and all who would use it in the future!

The powerful Beauchamp family were appointed Constables of the castle, which saw action numerous times, including being burned down by Welsh raiders early in its history. This fire would not be the only one in the castle's history.

In 1139 a Civil War broke out, which could have given the City its ‘Faithful’ motto. The City was loyal to King Stephen. The War was also known as the Stephen and Matilda War or the Anarchy. The castle was occupied by troops loyal to the Empress Matilda. The Castle was attacked several times with stone throwing weapons from two siege camps on Red Hill and Henwick Hill.

In the following Century, King John ordered the castle to be upgraded with ‘fine stone.’

The new gatehouse alone cost £25, and was constructed just in time for another conflict, this time between King John and his rebellious Barons. William de Beauchamp revolted against King John, which led to further attacks on the castle.

It was just after the Barons Wars that part of the Bailey was returned to the Cathedral, which reduced the castle in size. The castle’s importance in the area, in turn, began to wane. The site was being used more like a Gaol than a castle.

In the 16th Century the castle Motte was described as being overgrown, with most of the stone walls being removed for building material. The site was also being used for grazing cattle, which would cost a farmer 10d a year.

The famous 1651 map of Worcester shows us that the Royalist fortified the castle Motte during the Battle of Worcester. It is believed that the defenders was the last Royalists troops to surrender to Cromwell’s men on that fateful day.

The Castle site fell further into disrepair, with the Gaol building being inspected by John Howard in the late 18th Century. He thought the Gaol was in a bad state, with some prisoners escaping. Outbreaks of Gaol Fever eventually led to a new building being constructed in Salt Lane to the North of the City.

The castle site was purchased by book dealer, Mr Eaton, who between 1823 and 1846, levelled the Motte.

The King’s School eventually used the site of as a memorial garden, which is still used today. The lost castle is marked by a plaque and some castle features are still visible including part of a hall in College Green, and Severn Street, which follows the line of the moat to the river.   

l Discover History offers a ‘Walk and Workshop’ package, allowing schools to walk the City with a qualified tour guide. All periods of history covered. To find out more, please email discoverhistory@aol.com for further details.