Monument record 589/2 - Preston Capes Castle

The remains of a motte seen as earthworks, recorded as being in existence by 1090. The motte has a flat top and is 80 to 90 feet in diameter, with a slight breastwork. The motte is situated on the edge of a plateau, and 16 feet down the steep north side a ditch with an outer bank embraces half the mound. Lower down is another longer ditch and rampart. It is probable that there was a bailey to the south east. No trace survives, although archaeological investigation in the grounds of Manor Farm identified a large ditch. Scheduled.

{1} The exact date of the construction of the castle is unknown but it was probably built soon after the Norman Conquest. In 1086 Preston was held by Nigel of the Count of Mortain. Around 1090 it was certainly in existence as the Cluniac Priory is recorded as 'adjoining the castle' at this date. Nothing more is known of the castle. No trace of a bailey survives, although previous workers have suggested that one probably occupied the flatter ground to the south east. Another source suggests that a slight depression to the south might be the remains of its ditch. However, although it is likely that there was a bailey in this area, the present Manor Farm and its buildings have destroyed all trace (as in {4}).

{2} Fieldname: Castle Hill.

{4} The Norman castle at Preston Capes is recorded as being already in existance in 1090. The works consist of a motte, with a flat top 80 to 90 feet in diameter, with a slight breastwork. The motte is place on the edge of the plateau, and 16' down the steep N side a ditch with an outer bank embraces half the mound. Lower down is another longer ditch and rampart. It is probable that the bailey occupied the flatter ground SE of the motte, but the site is occupied by a farm, and no traces are visible. (Bailey on SE side of motte ?).

{8} The castle was likely built by Nigel of the Count of Mortain who held Preston in 1086. It certainly existed by 1090 when Hugh de Liecester founded the adjoining priory. It was a manorial centre throughout the medieval period.

{11} Archaeological excavation identified a ditch and possible palisade. The ditch was not excavated as it was not going to be affected by development, but it may form part of the defensive perimater of the bailey.

{12} Listed by Cathcart King.

{13} The configuration of the surviving earthworks point to there having been a bailey to the S and on E-W, shallow depression at SP 5762 5481 may be the remains of its ditch.
See annotated 25" survey.

{14 No change to field report of 7.5.70.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.163-4 (checked) (Series). SNN77381.

<2> 1742, Preston Capes Tithe Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN8592.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP55SE5 (unchecked) (Index). SNN443.

<4> Armitage E.S., 1912, Early Norman Castles, p.190 (unchecked) (Book). SNN8596.

<5> Ryland, W, Adkins, D, and Serjeantson, R M, 1902, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.328 (unchecked) (Series). SNN100368.

<7> The Society of Antiquaries of London, 1853, Archaeologia (35), Plate 16 (unchecked) (Journal). SNN58177.

<8> English Heritage, 1992, English Heritage Scheduling Notification, (part checked) (Report). SNN47128.

<9> Kenyon J.R., 2008, Castles, Town Defences and Artillery Fortifications in the United Kingdom and Ireland: A Bibliography 1945 - 2006, (unchecked) (Bibliography). SNN106309.

<10> Lanning K.; Pearson V.; Walker D., 1995, Castles in Northamptonshire: A Resource Pack for Teachers, (unchecked) (Educational Resource Pack). SNN75536.

<11> Soden I., 2008, Archaeological Watching Brief at Preston Capes Manor, Preston Capes, Northamptonshire, 2005-7 (Report). SNN106055.

<12> Cathcart King, D J, 1983, Castellarium anglicanum : an index and bibliography of the castles in England, Wales and the Islands. Volume II : Norfolk-Yorkshire and the islands, p. 317 (Book). SNN112899.

<13> Seaman, B H, 1970, Field Investigator's Comments, F1 BHS 07-MAY-70 (Notes). SNN111541.

<14> Allanson, C D, 1976, Field Investigator's Comments, F2 CDA 29-OCT-76 (Notes). SNN112955.

<15> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, (RAF CPE/UK/1926 5053-4) (Photographs). SNN104890.

<16> RCHME, Undated, RCHME Inventory: Northamptonshire II (Central), 889734 (Archive). SNN112900.

<17> Historic England, Undated, Preston Capes Castle (Archive). SNN116062.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 7:56PM