Geoffrey de Mandeville 12th century

Burwell Castle

History of Burwell Castle

Schedule Monument

Burwell Castle represents an unusual departure from the more standard oval or rounded mottes of this period, although the intended details of its final appearance are difficult to judge from its incomplete state. The castle is, however, well preserved and all the more interesting on account of the unfinished nature of the work. The motte, the moat and the heaped soil outside, contain valuable evidence for the method of construction, and artefacts found in these contexts will provide information regarding the duration of military activity – perhaps reinforcing the documentary references to the part which it played during the period of 12th century civil war known as `The Anarchy’. The imposition of the castle over an existing settlement is particularly interesting, providing significant insights into the nature of society at the time.

Burwell Castle was built in 1143 by Stephen I of England on the site of a former Roman villa.

Geoffrey de Mandeville, Earl of Essex, attacked Burwell in 1144 when the castle was still unfinished, but during the operation he was hit by a crossbow bolt; he retired to nearby Mildenhall, where he died from the injury. After Geoffrey’s death the castle was never completed, although a stone gatehouse was completed on the site, suggesting a period of further occupation. The Abbot of Ramsey built a chapel on the site around 1246, and the site was finally abandoned in the 15th century.

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Spring Close, Burwell, which includes the site of Burwell Castle which was held for King Stephen against the rebellious Mandeville, will be offered for sale by auction. It should be purchased by the Parish Council and preserved as an open space to remind future generations of the part played by the village in the history of England in the days when High Town was a Norman residence and Newnham a Saxon village, when the church stood where the boys’ school now stands and the dead were buried where schoolboys now cultivate their beds of garden. Should the cost – about £500 – be too great the council should ensure the site is preserved from any interference 12 06 07o. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, reference 12 06 07o.

6 August 1952

Cambridge Centaur Motor Cycle Club’s Bank Holiday Scramble at Spring Close, Burwell attracted a crowd of over 5,000 who were treated to a thrilling afternoon’s racing on what must be the finest scramble course for many miles. Situated on the site of an old Norman castle and incorporating several crossings of the now dry moats, the course included a number of very steep ascents from which most of the riders made spectacular leaps. Spectators were able to see most of the racing from the high ground in the centre of the track upon which the castle had stood. Two very popular riders, E.J. Wiffen of the Grasshopper Club and the local Centaur ace, H.D. Halsey, emerged as the stars of the meeting. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, 1952 08 06.

6 August 1959

The castle slopes at Spring Close, Burwell, were covered with some 3,000 people on August Bank Holiday to watch the scramble organised by the Cambridge Centaur Motor Cycle Club. The course was in prime condition, being damp enough to eliminate any dust hazard and not too sticky as to bog the riders down in the mud. The senior race was won easily by Andy Lee with K. Covell second and T.H. Howard third, all riding B.S.A. machines. 59 08 06. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, reference 59 08 06.

29 June 1985

Cambridge castle mound is being seriously damaged by the feet of thousands of visitors every year and the playful attentions of hundreds of children who have created two impromptu ‘slides’ down the steep slopes. Now archaeologists are to close the footpath and carry out much-needed repairs. Many other monuments are also in need of repair, including Burwell castle, Booth’s Hill at Ramsey and the Devil’s Dyke 85 06 29. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, reference 85 06 29.