 Bramber Castle
Originally defending an important port on the River Adur, William De Braose constructed the motte and bailey castle at Bramber c1070, along with the Norman church. Except for a period of confiscation during the reign of King John, Bramber Castle remained in the ownership of the De Braose
family until the line died out in 1324.
Despite very little surviving, the basic layout of
some areas of Bramber Castle can still be identified. The most
prominent feature is a large, rugged piece of masonry, all that remains of
the Gatehouse tower. Still standing to almost its full height, a single
window, and some floor joist holes, are clearly visible within the structure.
Beyond the Gatehouse are the existing foundations of what is believed
to have been living quarters and a guardhouse. The dressed pillars of
an entrance can be made out, but the bulk of the remaining walls now consist
of only the basic rough stone infil, the better quality dressing stone
having long since been quarried away for use elsewhere. Lying to the north
of the gatehouse is the original castle motte, its earthen mound rising
to a height of some 30ft (10m). A short distance away is a section of
the curtain wall and, again, this survives to a reasonable height,
up to 10ft (3m) in places.
Little is known of Bramber Castle's history and
even records kept during the Civil War only mention a 'skirmish' in the village c1642.
The church suffered quite badly as a result of the Cromwellian guns being set up in the transepts,
where they afforded a better vantage point to fire on Bramber Castle.
Although there is not much to see among the fragmentary ruins,
the site does have a wonderful setting, and is obviously enjoyed by the local population around this quiet Sussex
village. The lawned areas in the bailey are well maintained, mature trees
have transformed the motte into a pleasant shady glade, and the moat now
provides a perfect path around the castle perimeter from which to view the site. |
