FitzHarris Castle
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| FitzHarris Castle | |
|---|---|
| Oxfordshire, England | |
Plan of the castle | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Motte |
| Owner | Local authority |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Earthworks |
| Location | |
Shown within Oxfordshire | |
| Coordinates | 51°40′29″N 1°17′00″W / 51.6746°N 1.2833°W |
| Grid reference | grid reference SU496975 |
| Site history | |
| Built | between 1071 and 1084 |
| Built by | Owen |
| In use | 1084 – c. 1247 |
| Fate | Demolished |
FitzHarris Castle was a medieval castle located near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England.
FitzHarris Castle was built near Abingdon between 1071 and 1084 in the aftermath of the Norman invasion of England by a probable Norman knight called Owen.[1] The castle formed a motte, 78 by 68 feet (24 by 21 m) across, protected by a stream that flowed around the motte to produce a moat.[2] In due course the castle was supplemented by the nearby manor house called FitzHarry's, but a keep remained on the motte as late as 1247, probably for defensive purposes.[3]
The castle is now owned by the local authority but is considered by English Heritage to be at risk from erosion due to visitor numbers.[4] The site is a scheduled monument.