The Castle Layout

Wigmore castle was a major centre of aristocratic power and control for the surrounding area throughout the medieval period.

Plan of surviving and conjectured elements of Wigmore castle and its landscape.  © English Heritage 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.