Brinklow Castle (Motte & Bailey)

Brinklow Castle, often referred to locally as The Tump, is one of the largest surviving Norman motte‑and‑bailey fortifications in England. Situated in the village of Brinklow, Warwickshire, the castle dates back to the late 11th century and was strategically positioned along the Roman Fosse Way, a vital route connecting Warwick and Leicester. Its immense motte, deep ditch, and expansive bailey earthworks demonstrate the importance of Norman military engineering in establishing control over the Midlands.

The castle’s defensive earthworks were designed to dominate the surrounding landscape, providing both a stronghold and a visible symbol of Norman authority. The bailey would have housed wooden structures such as barracks, stables, and workshops, while the motte supported a timber keep. These features were crucial in medieval defence, allowing rapid response to threats and secure storage of supplies. An interesting fact is that Brinklow Castle may have originated as a prehistoric burial mound (hlāw), later adapted into a Norman fortress by Aubrey de Coucy, the first Norman lord of Brinklow.

Today, Brinklow Castle remains a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is freely accessible via a footpath behind St. John the Baptist’s Church. Visitors can explore the dramatic earthworks and gain insight into medieval military architecture. Although no stone structures survive, the sheer scale of the motte and bailey makes Brinklow Castle a remarkable heritage site, ideal for history enthusiasts, walkers, and families interested in Norman castles, fortifications, and English heritage.

Nearby Defence Heritage Sites of Interest To Brinklow Castle

Image credit:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1029014