More information : (SO 322403) SNODHILL CASTLE (NR) (remains of) (NAT). (1)
Snodhill Castle belonged to the family of Chandos in the 14th and 15th centuries and consisted of a mound, bailey and outer enclosure. The remains of the keep are of c1200 but some remodelling appears to have been made to the bailey and its surrounding curtain-wall in the 14th century (see plan). The earthworks form a good example of those of a strongly fortified border castle. (2)
Snodhill Castle. No change. Published survey 25" revised. The earthworks to the north of the castle, depicted on OS 25", are hollow ways and are not necessarily contemporary. (3)
SO 322 404. Motte and bailey established on a hillock, probably in the 11th century. Extant 1195-6 in the hands of the Crown, it is probably the castle of 'Strate' which was being restored to Robert de Chandos in 1197. Noted as ruinous in 1353, but ordered to be held against [Owain] Glendower in 1403. (4)
Additional reference. (5-6)
The hollow ways have been reinterpreted as fishponds. (7)
The earthwork remains of the motte and bailey described by the previous authorities were seen centred at SO 3220 4037 and mapped from aerial photographs. The motte mound is centred at SO 3217 4037. The castle remains were masked by trees so could not be mapped in their entirety. (8)
Additional reference. (9)
Snodhill Castle, and its earthwork remains have been re-surveyed using lidar images and aerial photographs as part of theHistoric England: Snodhill Castle and Landscape Settings Survey and Investigation. This has identified the surviving remains of the motte and bailey as well as traces of the trackway to the north of the mound and evidence of quarrying below the castle. (10)
The earthworks and masonry remains were surveyed at 1:1000, including the trackways and quarries to the north of the castle, in conjunction with the work of Authority 10. This confirmed that the motte and bailey castle was re-built in stone probably in a piecemeal fashion, though there may have been an early stone-built hall from an early date. Features previously identified as fishponds on the northern slopes below the castle are quarries served by the trackways mentioned by previous authorities. (11)
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