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Historic England Research Records

Dorchester Castle

Hob Uid: 1386099
Location :
Dorset
Dorchester
Grid Ref : SY6920090900
Summary : A castle stood in the North part of Dorchester, the prison now occupying its site. Between 1154-75 it was in possession of the Earl of Cornwall and had become a royal possession by 1185. According to Hutchins, the castle occupied 6 acres, had a prominent mound, the defences being oval in shape, which implies that it was a motte and bailey. The earliest documentary evidence is of 1137 when it was strengthened by the Count of Gloucester. There are several references to it in the reigns of both John and Henry III, particularly to expenditure on repairs to buildings in the castle rather than repairs to the defences. It appears to have been disused from about 1290, and there are references to its stonework being reused to build the Greyfriars in 1309. Excavations have located the main ditch in two places.
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Monument Types:
Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Documented 1137-1290
Monument End Date : 1290
Monument Start Date : 1137
Monument Type : Castle, Motte And Bailey
Evidence : Sub Surface Deposit

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Related Records from other datasets:
External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : SY 69 SE 268
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Related Warden Records :
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Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1970-01-01
End Date : 1970-12-31
Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1975-01-01
End Date : 1975-12-31
Associated Activities :
Activity type : WATCHING BRIEF
Start Date : 1985-01-01
End Date : 1985-12-31
Associated Activities :
Activity type : EVALUATION
Start Date : 1998-01-01
End Date : 1998-12-31