Thetford Castle

Thetford Castle
Norfolk, England
Thetford Castle
Thetford Castle is located in Norfolk
Thetford Castle
Thetford Castle
Coordinates52°24′40″N 0°45′17″E / 52.4112°N 0.7547°E / 52.4112; 0.7547
Grid referencegrid reference TL87468281
TypeMotte and bailey
Site information
OwnerLocal authority
Open to
the public
Yes
ConditionEarthworks remain
Site history
EventsRevolt of 1173–1174

Thetford Castle is a medieval motte and bailey castle in the market town of Thetford in the Breckland area of Norfolk, England. The first castle in Thetford, a probable 11th-century Norman ringwork called Red Castle, was replaced in the 12th century by a much larger motte and bailey castle on the other side of the town. This new castle was largely destroyed in 1173 by Henry II, although the huge motte, the second largest man-made mound in England, remained intact. The motte, recognised as a scheduled monument, now forms part of a local park, and the remains are known variously as Castle Hill, Castle Mound and Military Parade.