BRISTOL CASTLE

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A ringwork was established here before 1088 by Geoffrey, Bishop of Coutances. This was converted into a motte and bailey which was subsequently demolished circa 1140 and a keep constructed, (see ST57SE346 and 347). Rebuilt in the 13th century but fallen into decay by 1486. The site was refortified in the Civil War and demolished soon afterwards. No remains are visible. It was once one of the foremost Royal castles in England.

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ST 593 731: A castle built before 1088 AD by Geoffrey, Bishop of Coutances and consisting of a ring-ditch and bank was followed by a motte which used the ring-work as an outer bailey. The motte was demolished by Robert of Gloucester (d 1147) to make way for the Keep which succeeded it and in 1173 the castle was acquired by Henry II to become one of the foremost royal castles in England; a major fortress, a political prison and administrative centre. The upper or outer ward of the castle stood on the side towards the city and contained, in addition to the Keep, the constable's house, which stood on the south side of the Keep, and the Chapel of St Martin, mentioned circa 1250, which may have stood to the north of the Keep. The inner ward was the larger of the two wards and contained the banqueting hall. The 13th century was the main period of building, and extensive records exist of repairs and maintenance but by 1486, when William of Worcester wrote of it, the buildings had fallen into decay. By Leland's time, although the keep and other towers were still standing, all tended to ruin. Refortification followed during the Civil War but the castle was later demolished at Cromwell's order and Millerd's map of 1673 shows the site completely built over. (1-5)

During the Anarchy, Bristol was the stronghold of Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and Matilda's champion. Only in 1174 did it become a royal possession, and from then onward was one of the 4 principle royal castles, ranking alongside Newcastle, Nottingham and Winchester as a fortress, prison and administrative centre. (6)

SOURCE TEXT

(1) General reference

The City and County of Bristol 1967 (B Little)

(2) General reference

Leland's Itinerary 1535-43 1964, 5 86-93 (L T Smith)

(3) General reference

Jacabus Millerd's Plan of Bristol 1673

(4) General reference

Bristol Castle 1948-1970 ( M W Ponsford)

(5) General reference

Lobel M B 1975 Atlas of Historic Towns 2 plans

(6) R Allen Brown, H M Colvin and A J Taylor 1963 The history of the King's Works, volume 2 : the Middle Ages

Page(s)577-82

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