castle castle termed early accounts ruined norman bailey fortification built possibly roman earthworks castle unusual design large protect neighbouring town early century castle rebuilt stone circular erected gatehouse constructed inner outer western 14th century fallen decline despite pressed use rising ruined 21st century castle maintained english_heritage operated tourist attraction history earlier sites uncertain fortification built defences built iron age roman periods remains uncertain roman defences constructed site probably roman road run nearby defences reused building current castle parts earthworks square angular corners similar roman forts unusual 12th century english castles initial construction norman invasion england wales late 11th century small castle built close site current castle pain order protect river crossing probably built replace older castle probably successful favourite henry_ii administrator newly conquered ireland hugh acquired local lands important lord territory early early castle occasionally called named wider term meaning sheep district designed bailey castle high ground alongside sites higher ground existed nearby location strategically located close river important transport route metre high unusual rectangular bailey design metres metres divided parts west east capable defended independently hectares acres total 12th century castle built primarily timber stone design stone reused castle rebuilt 13th century circuits earthworks north south castle possibly wooden enclosed early settlement region troubled rest century revolts local welsh anglo norman rule expansion decline castle extensively rebuilt stone early 13th century stone dating constructed form circular great tower walls metre thick turrets spaced evenly outside hall floor circular design particular seen reason choice unclear appears carried military advantages stonework rubble cut detailing walls metre thick foundations extremely shallow inner gate western built simple design small turrets fitted metre thick wall encircled rest inner western bailey stone wall protected outer half bailey inside inner western bailey appears castle great hall service buildings work castle cost large sum money time settlement probably established time castle initially prospered family controlled castle death acquired castle period increased conflict tension welsh princes english lords castle passed sons struggled local welsh revolts continued end century edward temporarily confiscated castle estates john son castle passed castle continued fortification orders given garrison men castle began decline importance passed castle temporarily response uprising acquired property 15th century remained control 1970s town population fell away sharply protected area north castle abandoned 16th century longer functioning trading centre unclear castle town played english civil war cannon balls period discovered castle local oral tradition states castle deliberately destroyed war stones castle local building work 17th century onwards 18th century house shop constructed eastern bailey castle yard garden operated castle buildings continued castle end 19th century school house built castle grounds buildings built lean castle walls 20th 21st centuries acquired 1970s poor condition extensive restoration work carried including removal buildings walls 21st century central parts castle including ruined internal gatehouse fragments curtain wall maintained english_heritage tourist attraction wider earthworks lie common land castle protected scheduled monument
Longtown Castle