Secrets of Medieval Castle Unearthed
Archaeologists are using radar to try and discover what is hidden under the mound of Oxford castle.
Oxford castle was first constructed in 1071 by the Norman baron Robert D’Oyly. Originally a motte and bailey castle, the wooden keep on top of the earthen mound was eventually replaced by a stone keep, and later, a fifty foot wall with surrounding towers was added to the structure.
In a famous event in 1141, King Stephen (of Blois) beseiged Empress Matilda (or Maude), daughter of King Henry I of England, at Oxford, but Matilda managed to escape by being lowered over the walls dressed in a white cape in order to conceal her against the snow-covered landscape.
Filed under: Castles, Archaeology, Middle Ages History, Medieval History on April 27th, 2009
Very interesting. I’m glad they’re going to go further than just scanning, though. Excavation can give so much more detail.
Yes, I agree. Will be interesting to see what all they uncover.
Fascinating!
K.A., I was looking at your website. Your bibliography is impressive.