The gatehouse at Moreton Corbet was probably erected in the 13th century and served as the principal entrance to the castle throughout its occupation.
There is a depression in the ground in front of the gatehouse, which marks the line of a ditch which was part of the medieval defences. This ditch once encircled the site and probably dates back to the first foundation of the castle. The timber defences were rebuilt in stone in around 1200, along with the gatehouse and tower.
Sir Andrew Corbet (d.1578), a prominent royal servant, remodelled the gatehouse around 1560. His decision, and that of successive owners, to preserve this austere and fortified medieval frontage is remarkable. It suggests that the Corbets wanted the building to preserve its character as a castle.
There is a panel above the gatehouse arch, which commemorates Sir Andrew's work. This is carved with Sir Andrew's initials, SAC; the date 1579 (it must have been erected posthumously); and the Corbet family emblem of the elephant and castle.
Disclaimer
The text and pictures on this page are derived from the 'Heritage Unlocked' series of guidebooks published in 2004. We intend to review, update and enhance the content in the near future as part of the Portico project, whose objective is to provide information on the history, significance, research background and sources for all English Heritage properties.
