Richard's Castle, 1048 to 1216 by Paul Martin Remfry

Pre-Norman period

Richard's Castle covers the foundation and development of this castlery in the pre-Norman period. The family history of Richard fitz Scrope from 1048 is then taken through the many shifts and changes of political fortune to the extinction of its first Mortimer lord in 1219.

Anarchy of King Stephen

Particular emphasis is placed upon the wars of the Anarchy of King Stephen when an unusual division of the lordship seems to have been made by Osbern Fitz Hugh, the defeated lord of the barony. As a result, after his death, the castle passed to Hugh Say his brother-in-law, who also appears to have taken over the Scrope arms. From Hugh the castle passed to his son, Hugh, who was defeated and probably killed at the great battle of Radnor in 1196. The castle then passed rapidly to each of Hugh's daughter's three husbands in turn, the last of whom was Robert Mortimer of Essex.

Motte and bailey castle

The motte and bailey castle with its overlying stonework remains are examined thoroughly in relation to the excavations carried out in the 1960's and a new chronology for the site is suggested. The ruins of the bailey gatehouse are seen above.

British Castles Series

The first of the British Castles Series to be home-published was Clun Castle in 1994. This was a successful comprehensive history based solely on original Anglo-Welsh manuscripts. Since this 32 more followed making up the present collection in the British Castles Series. Professionals and individuals find them useful for their research and interest purposes in medieval history, archaeology, genealogy, and family and local history.

By Paul Martin Remfry

Publisher: SCS Publishing, 1997
ISBN: 1899376348

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