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Rothwell Castle was a timber castle or fortified manor house, which was built by Ilbert de Lacy in the 11th century. [1] Some notable nobles stayed in or owned the castle, with both King John and King Edward II staying at the manor and John of Gaunt owning it. [2] Over several centuries, it fell to ruin and was rebuilt or modified, until eventually the last building on the site was demolished in 1976. [2]
History
Anglo-Saxon Period
It is likely that an Anglo-Saxon settlement existed on or near to the site of Rothwell Castle. In the Domesday Book of 1086, a wooden or stone hall is listed as having been in Rothwell (as well as Lofthouse, Carlton, Thorpe on the Hill and Middleton). The Anglo-Saxon Harold was Thane at Rothwell, but was essentially a tennant under the Norman Ilbert de Lacy. [3]
Early Castle
Illbert de Lacy The early castle on the site was likely a wooden structure (owing to the forest that would have covered Rothwell at this time and the affordability of wood compared to stone) built in the motte-and-bailey style. The man-made motte was likely directly opposite Holy Trinity Church, but has since disappeared due to mining waste dumped there in the 18th and 19th centuries, with a ditch that ran between the Church and castle, which is now Wood Lane. [3]
12th Century
13th Century
14th Century
15th Century
16th Century
17th Century
18th Century
19th Century
20th Century
21st Century
References
- ↑ Castleuk.net. n.d. Rothwell Castle Leeds West Yorkshire England English. [online] Available at: <http://www.castleuk.net/castle_lists_north/104/rothwellcastle.htm> [Accessed 18 December 2020].
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Guy, M., 2010. Rothwell Castle. [online] Geocaching.com. Available at: <https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC2CNP4_rothwell-castle?guid=81ce214b-4313-4c8a-b984-7543b1950684> [Accessed 18 December 2020].
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Rothwell & District Historical Society (2006). The History of Rothwell Castle and Medieval Life. Leeds: RDHS Press