Image
Castle Batch is named after the earthen mound in the centre of the area of open space which is a medieval motte castle.
Motte castles, introduced into Britain by the Normans, acted as garrison forts during offensive military operations, as strongholds and, in many cases, as aristocratic residences and as centres of local or royal administration.
Built in towns, villages and open countryside, they generally occupied strategic positions dominating their immediate locality and, as a result, are the most visually impressive monuments of the early post-Conquest period surviving in the modern landscape.
"As owner of this Scheduled Monument we have a duty to look after the site," said Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's executive member for neighbourhoods and community services. "Over recent years scrub growth on the motte has increased and had reached a point where much of it needed to be removed to ensure no damage is caused to the archaeology by plant and tree roots."
The council's contractors Glendale have recently completed extensive vegetation clearance, which has resulted in the motte being uncovered and the monument’s features being more visible. The site will now be assessed by the council’s Senior Archaeologist and Natural Environment team, in collaboration with Historic England, to prevent further damage to this important historic feature.
Mel Barge, Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Historic England, said: "This work is needed to look after this important site and we are working with North Somerset Council to improve the site to protect it for future generations to enjoy."
Anyone with any questions about the site should email DM.Archaeology@n-somerset.gov.uk.