EWYAS HAROLD CASTLE

Herefordshire

Ewyas Harold, along with Richard's Castle, Hereford and Clavering in Essex, is one of the four Castles built in England before the Conquest by Edward the Confessor's "Norman favourites".

Ewyas Harold is generally considered to be the oldest of the four. It was constructed before 1050 by Osbern Pentecost.  Earl Godwin, the father of King Harold, tore down Ewyas in 1052, and later his son did the same for Hereford.  After the Conquest William FitzOsbern rebuilt both of these Castles (around 1067-1071).

It is very uncertain if the Castle was ever fortified in stonework (as both Hereford and Richard's were), but it certainly continued to be occupied at least until 1403 when Henry IV gave the Castle to Sir Philip le Vache with orders to fortify it against the Welsh. However, later the same year the Castle was sold and it passed into history, only resurfacing in 1645 when it is noted as being "ruynous and gone".

The large motte stands on public land at the end of a footpath.

Back to Castles of Herefordshire Page

© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2018