What is recorded here

Almeley Castle is a grass-grown motte and bailey south-west of the village church in Herefordshire, built during the unsettled reign of Stephen and recorded as a castellum in the Patent Rolls of John and Henry II. Its 35m-wide motte rose 8m above an 8m-wide ditch, commanding views to the south and east, while two dry fishponds at the foot of a nearby ridge may have supplied the castle. Roger de Lacy held Almeley in 1086, William Cantilupe was constable in 1216, and Simon de Montfort paid homage to Henry III there in 1231; later it passed through the Monningtons, Pembers and Foleys. The north ditch was filled in to extend the church graveyard, and the whole site now lies under pasture.

The National Heritage List for England records Almeley Castle as a scheduled monument. The saved point comes from the centre supplied by the official record. Listing does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Almeley Castle was built by the de Almeley family in the 12th century and later held by the Mortimer family, who played a significant role in medieval English politics. It is important as a well-preserved example of a motte-and-bailey castle and for its association with the powerful Mortimer earls.

The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.