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Record Details

MonUID:MST92
HER Number:00092
Type of record:Monument
Name:Alton Castle

Summary

The Listed and Scheduled remains of 12th century castle overlooking the Churnet Valley, possibly built by Bertram de Verdun.

Grid Reference:SK 0730 4241
Map Sheet:SK04SE
Parish:Alton, Staffordshire Moorlands District
Map:Show location on Streetmap

Monument Type(s):

  • CASTLE (Norman to MEDIEVAL - 1150 AD to 1299 AD)
  • BARBICAN (Norman to MEDIEVAL - 1150 AD to 1299 AD)
  • GATEHOUSE (Norman - 1200 AD to 1250 AD)

Associated Finds:

  • ASSEMBLAGE (MEDIEVAL - 1066 AD to 1485 AD)
  • ASSEMBLAGE (MEDIEVAL - 1066 AD to 1485 AD)

Associated Events:

  • EST791 - A geophysical survey at the castle fosse, Alton Castle, Alton, December 2000. (NRHE Name - Land at Alton Castle)
  • EST680 - An archaeological watching brief at Alton Castle, Alton, 2001-2002. (NRHE Name - Land at Alton Castle)
  • EST3473 - A geophysical survey at the Gatehouse, Alton Castle, Alton, 1994. (NRHE Name - Alton Castle) (Ref: Report No. 200)
  • EST3556 - An archaeological excavation and building survey at Alton Castle, 1987-1988. (NRHE Name - Alton Castle)

Protected Status:

  • Scheduled Monument 1013227: Alton Castle
  • Listed Building (I) 1757/13/008: The Castle

Full description

Castle/ Castle Gatehouse: A castle defended by a steep cliff above the River Churnet and a rock cut ditch. Remains consist of part of a curtain wall and with a tower on the southern and western parts of the site, both faced with dressed ashlar. The castle dates from the 12th century. The inner bailey is occupied by a 19th century prep school, while the outer bailey is occupied by a convent. Only the moat and 12th century remains are scheduled.
The castle is splendidly sited above Churnet valley, defended on other side by a deep dry moat. Of 12th century origin, but the now fragmentary remains consist of part of the outer wall and massive tower within it. Fine Norman ashlar masonry. <1> <10>

May have been built towards end of the 12th century by Bertram de Verdun. Certainly in existence by 1316 when it was in a ruinous condition. Circa 1331 it passed to the Furnivals, and was probably rebuilt by the Earls of Shrewsbury, Lords of Alton from the 1420's. Destroyed during the Civil War. <6> <7>

The site is now occupied by a 19th century convent built by Pugin (which still retains fragments of the medieval masonry. (SB, 16-Nov-2006) <9>

There are references to a Civil War garrison at Alton Castle. (SB, 16-Nov-2006) <11>

A watching brief recorded several pottery finds and the possible remnants of a late medieval sandstone floor. (AK, 10/07/02) <12>

A structural survey of the walls of the two drum towers was carried out c.1988. (SB, 22-Dec-2003) <13>

Sources and further reading

<1>SST372 - Designation Record: Department of the Environment. Ongoing. Listed Buildings of Special Architectural or Historical Importance (Green and Blue Backs).
<2>SST1963 - Photographic: Staffordshire County Council. 1960s onward. Staffordshire County Council Photographic Collection. various. 330-331 (1965).
<3>SST1963 - Photographic: Staffordshire County Council. 1960s onward. Staffordshire County Council Photographic Collection. various. 431 (1969).
<4>SST1963 - Photographic: Staffordshire County Council. 1960s onward. Staffordshire County Council Photographic Collection. various. 174-5 (1974).
<5>SST144 - Aerial Photograph: National Monument Record. 1970s-1980s. National Monument Record Aerial Photograph Collection. Black and White. Oblique. AA63:6736.
<6>SST390 - Index: Ordnance Survey. See cards. Ordnance Survey Card Index. SK 04 SE - 16 ('Staffordshire' 1930, page 74 by C. Masefield).
<7>SST390 - Index: Ordnance Survey. See cards. Ordnance Survey Card Index. SK 04 SE - 16 ('History of North Staffordshire' 1933, page 4 by R. Nicholls).
<8>SST390 - Index: Ordnance Survey. See cards. Ordnance Survey Card Index. SK 04 SE - 16 (AO/57/386/2 - 1957).
<9>SST2107 - Serial: University of Keele. 1966. North Staffordshire Journal of Field Studies volume 6 (1966). 'The Medieval Castles of Staffordshire' L.M. Cantor, p42-43 (References SHC 1911, p334 & 1913, p77).
<10>SST390 - Index: Ordnance Survey. See cards. Ordnance Survey Card Index. SK 04 NE - 10 (A. Clarke - Ordnance Survey Field Inspector 14-Apr-1958).
<11>SST390 - Index: Ordnance Survey. See cards. Ordnance Survey Card Index. SK 04 SE - 16 (SHC 1957 'The Committee at Stafford).
<12>SST3627 - Watching Brief Report: Jonathan Goodwin (Potteries Museum Field Archaeology Unit). 2002. Archaeological Watching Brief at Alton Castle, Staffordshire. Page 8-9.
<13>SST1305 - Serial: Society for Medieval Archaeology. 1989. Medieval Archaeology Volume XXXIII (1989). Volume 33 - page 207 (Number 189).
<14>SST3739 - Geophysical Survey Report: P. P. Barker & E.J.F. Mercer (Stratascan). 2000. Alton Castle, Staffordshire. Part II: Radar Survey of the Fosse.
<15>SST1072 - Photographic: Staffordshire County Council. 2003. Photographs of Alton Castle and St. John's Preparatory School, Alton. Digital Photography.

Related records

06018Parent of: St. John's Preparatory School, Alton (Building)

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