What is recorded here

Ashley Castle rose in 1138 when Henry de Blois, brother of King Stephen, built a stronghold above the Somborne valley during the civil war known as the Anarchy. King Henry II demolished the unauthorised work in 1155, but William Briwere later restored the site with a rare royal licence to crenellate in 1200. The choice may have suited Briwere’s ambition, since he also served as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, an office that echoes the fictitious Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood legend. Today only ditch and rampart remain, marking a place where royal fear, noble ambition and forest hunting repeatedly collided.

Ashley Castle is shown as a archaeological place on the public map of Test Valley. The saved point is the map point or the centre of its mapped shape.

This does not grant access. Check current paths, opening conditions and ownership before entering.