Autumn Equinox 2011
Bakewell and Pilsbury Castles
We set off with the intention of going to two places. The first a motte and bailey in Bakewell.
A bit of history: Edward the Elder, son of Alfred the Great, was king of the Anglo-Saxons who captured the East Midlands and East Anglia from the Danes in 917. Bakewell was Danish and the Saxon's built this as a stonghold as a centre of administration. In 920, Edward the Elder marched the English army Northwards and founded a burh at Bakewell. Castle Hill earthwork is populalry identitifed with Edward the Elder's burh of 923/4. In A.D. 924 King Edward ordered Nottingham to be repaired and the bridge over the Trent. Then he went to Bakewell and ordered a fort to be built. During the 12th century a 'motte' had been erected to strengthen a rubble rampart.
We then went to look for our second destination, Pilsbury Castle, another motte and bailey, which I had visited last year. But having gone round in circles we still couldn't find it. So, nearby there was a rocky outcrop with a trig point and on top of this were spectacular views. My dowsing rods crossed all over the outcrop which may just have been picking up the magnetism of the rocks themselves.
Dave
We set off with the intention of going to two places. The first a motte and bailey in Bakewell.At the tourist information and the "local" said there was no castle in Bakewell! When I explained it was a bailey and motte and showed a picture there was still a sign of disbelief..."well if it is there its not visible?"
Anyway, we proceeded and walked up, yes, Castle Hill! Behind a bungalow was a small field and a gate. We felt, as often happens on these expeditions, that we were trespassing. It has been left and is more like a copse with trees and bushes,but nevertheless is still there. What a find. It made sense that this would be a good position for a castle. It was difficult to capture in a photo because in order to get a clear view by stepping back the bushes then hid it. So, the two photos are taken one at a distance and the other close (but too close to get the feel of the 'bowl' effect inside.
A bit of history: Edward the Elder, son of Alfred the Great, was king of the Anglo-Saxons who captured the East Midlands and East Anglia from the Danes in 917. Bakewell was Danish and the Saxon's built this as a stonghold as a centre of administration. In 920, Edward the Elder marched the English army Northwards and founded a burh at Bakewell. Castle Hill earthwork is populalry identitifed with Edward the Elder's burh of 923/4. In A.D. 924 King Edward ordered Nottingham to be repaired and the bridge over the Trent. Then he went to Bakewell and ordered a fort to be built. During the 12th century a 'motte' had been erected to strengthen a rubble rampart.-----------------------------------------
We then went to look for our second destination, Pilsbury Castle, another motte and bailey, which I had visited last year. But having gone round in circles we still couldn't find it. So, nearby there was a rocky outcrop with a trig point and on top of this were spectacular views. My dowsing rods crossed all over the outcrop which may just have been picking up the magnetism of the rocks themselves.Dave
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