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DOWSBOROUGH CASTLE

Somerset

Dowsborough Castle, Somerset

This handsome earthwork - also known as Nether Stowey Castle after the village it stands above - was first of all an Iron Age Hill Fort.  When the Normans arrived they saw the advantage of its position and built a sizable motte and bailey.  The foundations of a square keep have been found on top of the bailey, and it may be that this was the Castle constructed by William Fitz Odo which was burnt down by King Stephen during the Anarchy.

The Castle was subsequently owned by the Audley family, but disappears from history after this point.

The earthworks are accessible at any time and provide some superb views of the surrounding countryside.

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2018

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