Wigmore castle was a major centre of aristocratic power and control for the surrounding area throughout the medieval period.
The castle was sited on a steep, narrow ridge ideal for defence. It was further strengthened with deep ditches and a series of strong walls. It was divided into three main parts. The outer bailey, housed stables, granaries and other storage buildings. The inner bailey, defended by a deep, double ditch, and two walls, was the main residential area of the castle. Above this loomed the heavily defended shell keep, with very thick walls and a tall tower set on a motte.
To the north and west, the castle was surrounded by deer parks, and nearby were fishponds, a dovecot and a rabbit warren to provide sources of fresh fish and meat. The flatter land in the valley was farmed and about a mile to the north lay Wigmore Abbey, where the Mortimers were buried.
The castle was founded in about 1070 by William Fitz Osbern, earl of Hereford and a close associate of William the Conqueror. The original Norman castle at Wigmore had reinforced timber walls on top of large earthworks. After Fitz Osbern's death the castle passed to the Mortimer family, who rebuilt it in stone.
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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.
