More information : (TF 46180958) Wisbech Castle (NR) (Site of) (NAT)
The date of the building of Wisbech Castle is uncertain, but it was probably built shortly after 1070 (2). Other sources (3,4,5) give a date of 1086 which appears to be based solely on the castle's omission from the Domesday Book. An early date is reinforced by the finding of an Anglo-Saxon "Urnes-style" openwork brooch in the castle ditch in 1846 (6,7). This object is now in Wisbech Museum.
The first castle was of stone and the buildings covered two acres, the whole area of the castle being four acres. A sketch plan of the castle made in 1794 when the site was finally cleared shows that it was nearly circular in form and was of motte-and-bailey type. (Sketch plan in the Cambridge University Library, MS plans 581). In 1236 the castle was badly damaged by a sea flood and was rebuilt, only to be dismantled before the close of Henry III's reign. Building operations in the 15th, 17th and 19th centuries have obliterated all trace of the original castle. It is said to have had a moat 40 feet wide towards the town and this is clearly shown on the 1794 plan round the northern side of the enclosure fronting the market-place. (2-7) |