News / Bristol Castle
Remains of Bristol Castle designated as Scheduled Monument
It might look like a pile of rubble in one corner of Castle Park but these stones are the remains of a once mighty fortress.
This was the keep of Bristol Castle, whose walls were 25ft thick.
First established in the 11th century, Bristol Castle was finally demolished in 1655 enabling the site around it to grow into one of our city’s most bustling districts before much of it was badly damaged by a German bombing raid in the Second World War.
is needed now More than ever
Castle Park was laid out in the 1970s and relandscaped in the early 1990s, with improved protection for the castle’s remains enabling the ruins to be better incorporated into the latest plans for the park.
The exposed ruins of the keep, which were previously listed, are among other elements of the castle that have now been designated as a scheduled monument by Historic England.
Bristol Castle was established as a motte and bailey castle in the 11th century and was redeveloped in the first half of the 12th century with a stone keep and defensive walls – image: David Martyn
St Peter’s Church was originally located between the castle and the city – photo: Historic England
The protection granted to the remains of Bristol Castle has been reviewed and updated by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England.
The area protected by scheduling has been increased to cover most of the castle site within the eastern half of Castle Park, including some of the ruins which were previously listed.
The building known as the vaulted chambers, which recently closed as a cafe, was already a scheduled monument.
Once the entrance to the castle’s medieval great hall, the vaulted chambers has become a Grade II listed building and has been removed from the scheduled monument.
Scheduling is used to protect nationally important archaeological sites, with the original scheduled area of Castle Park focussed on the vaulted chambers now extended to include other buried remains of the castle which survive within the park including the buried remains of the moat ditch and the site of the barbican.
The vaulted chambers were most recently used as a cafe – photo: Martin Booth
Historic England South West regional director, Rebecca Barrett, said that Castle Park “is a remarkable site in the heart of the city”.
“We’re delighted to have worked with the city council to review the current designations.
“We hope this will help to better tell the story of the castle and its role over many centuries, as well as shaping its future management and plans to revitalise the city around it.”
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees added: “Bristol’s heritage is an important part of our city’s identity and culture. We are a growing modern city and also cherish our history.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Historic England to strengthen the protections around Castle Park, one of our most important archaeological sites.”
Join Martin Booth on a walking tour of Castle Park and the Old City which uncovers some of the last remains of Bristol Castle: www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Plans to expand and enhance Castle Park
- The few remains of Bristol Castle still within Castle Park
- The hidden river flowing underneath Bristol city centre
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
