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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] The manor, given its close proximity to Pontefract Castle, would have only been a satellite but would have been important as an administrative centre. [2] 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. [3] Over several centuries, it fell to ruin and was rebuilt or modified, until eventually the last building on the site was demolished in 1976. [3]
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. [2]
Early Castle
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. [2] 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. [2] In later periods, a bridge would have crossed the ditch so that the Church and the Manor could be accessed easily. [2]
12th Century
In the early In the late 12th century, a stone building was built in the bailey, that likely formed part of a substantial fortified manor house. [2] Local historians believe it may have looked similar to Castle Acre in Norfolk. [2]
13th Century
In the early 13th century, Rothwell Castle is recorded as the 'Hospitium de Rowell', which suggests it was a manor house for relaxation and rest. [2]
14th Century
A 14th century manor house on the site likely included "a solar (a grand room for the lord), a Great Hall and ancillary buildings such as kitchens and storerooms". [2]
15th Century
At some point, the motte was abandoned while the bailey remained in use, however by the mid 15th century the stone built manor house was in need of repairs. [2] The main manor house was constructed in the 1480s below the motte, incorporating the 14th century manor house and some of its buildings. [2] It was built by Roger Hopton in a half-timber style, which was popular at the time. [2]
20th Century
In 1977, Roger Hampton's manor house was demolished. [2]
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].
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 Rothwell & District Historical Society (2006). The History of Rothwell Castle and Medieval Life. Leeds: RDHS Press
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 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].