Bourne Castle

Bourne Castle was a Norman motte and double bailey castle built soon after 1071 by Oger the Breton, the largest landholder in Bourne at that time.

The founding of the castle may have been prompted by the rise and quashing of the Saxon rebellion led by Hereward 'the Wake', which had been funded by the Saxon Earl Morcar.

History

• Bourne Castle was a Norman motte and double bailey castle built from timber, with a later stone keep constructed. The keep had an oval curtain wall surrounding it, which may have attached itself to the donjon.
• The castle's architecture is described as 'farming castle', indicating its use for agricultural purposes.
• The castle's layout is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been built on top of an old Saxon manor. Traces of the enclosed mound and inner and outer moats (forming part of the Bourne Eau) are all that now survive.

The castle passed into the hands of the Holland family, but by 1443, it was recorded that over 140 messages lay in waste and ruinous. Despite this, the castle remained functional until the mid-15th century, when Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII, lived there with Henry Stafford for five years.

The castle then passed into the hands of Henry FitzRoy, illegitimate son of Henry VIII, until his death in 1536. After that, the castle's history is less well-documented, but it is believed to have been destroyed during the Civil War of 1645.

Architecture

Bourne Castle was a motte and double bailey castle built from timber, with a later stone keep constructed. The keep had an oval curtain wall surrounding it, which may have attached itself to the donjon.

The castle's architecture is described as 'farming castle', indicating its use for agricultural purposes.

Location

Bourne Castle was located in West Street, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire, UK. The castle occupied a large area, which is now a park known as the Wellhead Park, owned by the Bourne United Charities and open to the public.

The Wellhead Park, where the castle's remains are located, is open to visitors. The park offers guided tours of the castle's footprint, which can be seen during long spells of extremely hot weather.

Heritage Status

Bourne Castle was designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1986, recognizing its historical significance and architectural importance.

Notable Features and Rooms

• The only remaining features of Bourne Castle are the enclosed mound and inner and outer moats (forming part of the Bourne Eau).
• The footprint of the castle can be seen during guided tours of the Wellhead Park.