FitzHarris Castle

FitzHarris Castle was a medieval castle located near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England.

FitzHarris Castle
Oxfordshire, England
Plan of the castle
Site information
Type	Motte
Owner	Local authority
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Earthworks
Location
FitzHarris Castle Shown within Oxfordshire
Coordinates	51.6746°N 1.2833°W / 51.6746; -1.2833
Grid reference	grid reference SU496975
Site history
Built	between 1071 and 1084
Built by	Owen
In use	1084 - c. 1247
Fate	Demolished

History

FitzHarris Castle was built near Abingdon between 1071 and 1084 in the aftermath of the Norman invasion of England by a probable Norman knight called Owen.^[1] The castle formed a motte, 78 ft by 68 ft across, protected by a stream that flowed around the motte to produce a moat.^[2] In due course the castle was supplemented by the nearby manor house called FitzHarry's, but a keep remained on the motte as late as 1247, probably for defensive purposes.^[3]

The castle is now owned by the local authority but is considered by English Heritage to be at risk from erosion due to visitor numbers.^[4] The site is a scheduled monument.

See also

• Castles in Great Britain and Ireland
• List of castles in England