Why this matters
The motte at Franckfort was likely associated with Theobald Butler in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, following his grant of Dunkerrin by Prince John in 1185. It is remembered as part of the expanding Butler influence in the region during the medieval period.
What is recorded here
In 1185 Dunkerrin was granted to Theobald Butler by Prince John and by 1200 Theobald appears to have been in possession of these lands (Orpen 1911-20 ii, 102; Gwynn and Gleeson 1962 174-6). Dunkerrin became a manorial town in the Gaelic territory of Éile under Anglo-Norman rule in the thirteenth century. During this time a timber castle may have been built here. On the moat farm in the village of Dunkerrin there is a circular earthwork or ringwork that could have been the outer defences of an Anglo-Norman timber castle.
Situated at the E end of an esker ridge with good views in all directions. Present remains consist of a low elevated platform (diam. 26m) defined by a scarp (H 1m), fosse (Wth 3.3m; D 4m) and external bank (H 1-3.5m) best visible at S only. Possible ramped entrance at N.
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
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