Dunham Castle

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Dunham Castle
Dunham Castle (Greater Manchester)
Dunham Castle
Shown within Greater Manchester
Building information
Town Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
Country England
Coordinates 53°22′58″N 2°23′59″W / 53.38274, -2.399571Coordinates: 53°22′58″N 2°23′59″W / 53.38274, -2.399571
Client Hamon de Massey
Style Probable motte-and-bailey castle

Dunham Castle is an early medieval castle in Dunham Massey, England (grid reference SJ73428742).[1] The castle is first referred to in 1173, in a document stating Hamo de Masci held the castles of Dunham and Ullerwood. Documentary evidence suggests the castle at Dunham was still standing in 1323. The castle fell into disuse between 1323 and 1362. The castle probably existed on a mound, or motte, near the site of where Dunham Massey Hall is today. The motte is 24 metres (79 ft) in diameter and survives 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height.[1] The site was surrounded by a moat which was later turned into an ornamental lake.[1] Dunham Castle has been confused with Watch Hill Castle in nearby Bowdon, but the two were separate castles, though both probably owned by de Masci.[2] Dunham Castle was a Scheduled Ancient Monument, but was delisted.[3]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Dunham Massey. The Gatehouse - the comprehensive gazetteer of the medieval fortifications and castles of England and Wales. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.
  2. ^ Mike Nevell (1997). The Archaeology of Trafford. Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council with the University of Manchester Archaeological Unit, 33. ISBN 1-870695-25-9. 
  3. ^ Dunham Castle. Pastscape.org.uk. Retrieved on 2008-02-26.
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