Castles and Fortifications of England and Wales

CLARE CASTLE


CLARE CASTLE
Photo Charles Taylor

The first wooden castle was erected around 1070 on a high motte overlooking two baileys. During the 12th century a stone keep was built on the motte, a small part of which remains. Over the next hundred years it was strengthened with stone walls on top of the earth banks, three towers and a gateway. Only a small part of the wall running down from the keep is visible. The castle was abandoned at the end of the 15th century. In 1863 a railway line and station were built in the inner bailey but the line has since been abandoned and removed.

In a public park to the south of the town centre.


Remains of the keep photo Charles Taylor Photo Charles Taylor Photo Charles Taylor Photo Charles Taylor Photo Charles Taylor Inner bailey with railway remains photo Charles Taylor

Aerial photo ©Paul R. Davis Aerial photo ©Paul R. Davis

 

Directions
A1092, 5 miles east of Haverhill

 



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