Callan Motte

Callan Motte
Móta Challainn
Shown within Ireland
Location Westcourt Demesne, Callan,
County Kilkenny, Ireland
Region Kings River Valley
Coordinates 52°32′48″N 7°23′30″W / 52.546657°N 7.391781°W / 52.546657; -7.391781Coordinates: 52°32′48″N 7°23′30″W / 52.546657°N 7.391781°W / 52.546657; -7.391781
Type motte
Length 66 m (217 ft) (at base)
Width 48 m (157 ft) (at base)
Area 780 m2 (8,400 sq ft) (summit area)
Diameter 40 m (130 ft)
Height 12 metres (39 ft)
History
Builder Geoffrey FitzRobert
Material earth
Founded c. 1217
Periods Norman Ireland
Cultures Cambro-Norman, Old English
Associated with Normans
Site notes
Public access yes
Designation
Designations
Official name Callan Motte
Reference no. 372

Callan Motte is a motte-and-bailey and National Monument in Callan, Ireland.[1][2]

Location

Callan Motte is in the centre of Callan, north of the Kings River, west of Upper Bridge Street and east of the N76.[3]

History and archaeology

Motte-and-bailey castles were a primitive type of castle built after the Norman invasion, a mound of earth topped by a wooden palisade and tower.[4]

Callan Motte was built c. 1217 by Geoffrey FitzRobert, seneschal to William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. In 1307 it was described as ‘a castle, in which there is a hall constructed of wood covered with wooden shingles, a stone chamber, a kitchen and other wooden chambers’.[5]

Local legend claims that cannons were placed on the motte by Oliver Cromwell's soldiers during the 1650 Siege of Callan.

References

  1. "Callan Motte - Attractions - Museums and Attractions - All Ireland - Republic of Ireland - Kilkenny - Callan - Discover Ireland". Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  2. "Clutterbuck, R., Elliott, I. & Shanahan, B. `The motte and manor of Callan, Co. Kilkenny'". Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  3. "Kilkenny Archaeology - Photos - Facebook". Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  4. "Geograph:: Callan Motte (C) dougf". Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  5. "Meet In Ireland - Search Details". Retrieved 5 September 2016.
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