Rothwell Castle

Rothwell Castle was a timber castle or fortified manor house, which was built by Ilbert de Lacy in the 11th century. Some notable nobles stayed in or owned the castle, with both King John and King Edward II staying at the manor and John of Gaunt owning it. Over several centuries, it fell to ruin and was rebuilt or modified, until eventually the last building on the site was demolished in 1976.

=History=

Anglo-Saxon Period
It is likely that an Anglo-Saxon settlement existed on or near to the site of Rothwell Castle. In the Domesday Book of 1086, a wooden or stone hall is listed as having been in Rothwell (as well as Lofthouse, Carlton, Thorpe on the Hill and Middleton). The Anglo-Saxon Harold was Thane at Rothwell, but was essentially a tennant under the Norman Ilbert de Lacy.

Early Castle
Illbert de Lacy The early castle on the site was likely a wooden structure (owing to the forest that would have covered Rothwell at this time and the affordability of wood compared to stone) built in the motte-and-bailey style. The man-made motte was likely directly opposite Holy Trinity Church, but has since disappeared due to mining waste dumped there in the 18th and 19th centuries, with a ditch that ran between the Church and castle, which is now Wood Lane.

21st Century
=References= =Your Memories=