Dunham Castle

Dunham Castle is an early medieval castle in Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester, England (grid reference SJ73428742).

For the historic building in Wayne, Illinois, see Oaklawn Farm.
Dunham Castle
The remaining mound at Dunham Massey Hall
Location within Greater Manchester
General information
Architectural styleProbable motte-and-bailey castle
Town or cityDunham Massey, Greater Manchester
CountryEngland
Coordinates53.38274°N 2.399571°W / 53.38274; -2.399571
ClientHamon de Massey

History

The castle is first referred to in 1173, in a document stating Hamo de Masci held the castles of Dunham and Ullerwood. Documentary evidence suggests the castle at Dunham was still standing in 1323. The castle fell into disuse between 1323 and 1362. It probably existed on a mound, or motte, near the site of where Dunham Massey Hall is today. The motte is 24 metres (79 ft) in diameter and survives 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height.[1] The site was surrounded by a moat which was later turned into an ornamental lake.[1] Dunham Castle has been confused with Watch Hill Castle in nearby Bowdon, but the two were separate castles, though both probably owned by de Masci.[2] Dunham Castle was a Scheduled Ancient Monument, but was delisted.[3]

See also
  • Castles in Greater Manchester

References
  1. "Dunham Massey". The Gatehouse - the comprehensive gazetteer of the medieval fortifications and castles of England and Wales. Retrieved 2008-03-18.
  2. Mike Nevell (1997). The Archaeology of Trafford. Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council with the University of Manchester Archaeological Unit. p. 33. ISBN 1-870695-25-9.
  3. "Dunham Castle". Pastscape.org.uk. Retrieved 2008-02-26.


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