Pilsbury Castle

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Pilsbury Castle was a Norman Castle in Derbyshire near the present day village of Pilsbury, overlooking the River Dove. It's origins and history are shrouded in mystery, but it was part of the extensive estates granted to Henry de Ferrers (sometimes spelt Ferrars), by King William.

By the twentieth century there was little to see except for a mound on a limestone outcrop and the remains of various earthworks. At the beginning of the present century, however, archaeological surveys have revealed the foundations of a substantial Norman motte and bailey castle.

A clue to its origins lies in the record that the two manors of Hartington were valued at 40s. in 1066 but were waste twenty years later. This was in line with Williams policy of laying waste, or "harrying", rebel areas of the country, and the castle may have been built to retain control. This would have to be confirmed by, for instance, archaeological assays of layers of ash. ^[1] Another suggestion is that it was built by Robert de Ferrers or his father, around the period known as The Anarchy for, while the de Ferrers supported Stephen of England, the neighbouring Earl of Chester supported Empress Matilda. ^[2]

It is thought that it was built of timber as was usual in the early days and, by the next century, seems to have passed out of use. It may be that it was destroyed after William de Ferrers' part in the Revolt of 1173–1174, or it might have become abandoned when the land passed to the Duchy of Lancaster after the sixth Earl was dispossessed. It may simply have become redundant as nearby Hartington grew in importance.

[edit] References

^ Turbutt, G., (1999) A History of Derbyshire. Volume 2: Medieval Derbyshire, Cardiff: Merton Priory Press
^ Landon, N. Ash, P. Payne, A. Phillips, G, (2006) Pilsbury: A Forgotten Castle, Derbyshire Archaeological Journal, Vol 126; Pp 82‑102