Codnor Castle
English Heritage's Archaeological Survey & Investigation Team have undertaken an earthwork survey at Codnor Castle, a substantial medieval moated manor house in Derbyshire (NGR SK 4335 4996). The survey was undertaken subsequent to a Time Team evaluation of the site and on behalf of English Heritage’s East Midlands regional team in order to improve the understanding of the monument and inform future management of the site.
The building remains consist of a substantial but decayed residential block, part of the Upper Court which was originally surrounded by a moat, and the Lower Court to the south. The earliest fabric is probably early 13th century with 14th century additions. The residential block and the Lower Court were probably also 14th century but this is uncertain. Development continued until the early 17th century and by the mid-17th century stone was being removed for building. This survey demonstrated that in the 12th century the moat could have contained water right around the Upper Court and that there were probably medieval garden enclosures to the south-west. The north of the Upper Court was perhaps remodelled in the 14th century and the moat here filled to create gardens. It was probably at about this time that the Lower Court was enclosed; the moat remained but the earlier gardens probably became less significant. To the east the gardens developed into the 17th century, with the creation of a substantial terrace and mount, but they may have been left unfinished.
For further information about the site, contact Magnus Alexander, magnus.alexander@english-heritage.org.uk at English Heritage’s Cambridge Office, tel (01223) 582700
A paper copy of the report on the archaeological investigations at Codnor
Castle can be ordered online (ref. RDRS 82-2008) or you can download an electronic copy of the report here (3.8MB).
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