More information : NZ 44631865 Stockton Castle (NR) (site of) (NAT)
NZ 44551850 Moat (NR) (site of) (NAT) (1)
Stockton Castle was a manor house owned from at least the C12th by the Bishops of Durham. The site, known as Castle Field, was an irregular four sided area on the bank of the River Tees, defended on the S and W by a large ditch, which is now built over. The 'Castle' contained a chapel, two towers and a hall, which were in ruins by 1647 and destroyed in 1652. (2-3)
A section of wall in Castle Gate, NZ 4465 1874, 4.0m long by 1.2m high, is of old dressed stone with the remains of a plinth course visible. It is not possible to connect this wall definitely with the castle. No other remains which could be part of the castle or manor house were seen in the area. In view of Wood's plan (see illustration card) it is probable that the description 'castle' was an early misnomer for a fortified manor house. (4)
The castle was excavated in 1965, however, owing to the heavy disturbance of the site and the limited time allowed for the dig, little was uncovered. Two drains were excavated, presumably of medieval date constructed of reused 12th century masonry. The robbed out foundations of a building were also uncovered. A layer containing 17th century pottery and evidence for burning probably represents the destruction of the castle after 1647. (5)
The Parliamentary Commissioners, reporting upon its state in 1647, wrote " that the bishop's castle situate at the south end of the town by the river Tease (sic") is ruinous and in great decay. . . . The castle hath had a great moat about it, but the same is now for want of cleaning filled up in part, and within that moat hath heretofore been orchards and gardens, but all destroyed. . . . There hath likewise been a park, but the same hath been disparked." The lands of the estate were sold, and the castle was completely dismantled. (6)
Further reference to the manor house, Stockton castle. (7) |