conservation management plan st briavels castle, gloucestershire, uk

St BriavelS CaStle, St BriavelS, GlouCeSterShire

Conservation plan

for

English Heritage

October 2010


Conservation plan

for

English Heritage

October 2010

Client: english heritage

report ref.: haS855

report no.: 1461

NGr: Nt 4840 7990

Project Manager andy Boucher

author andy Boucher

richard K. Morriss

hilary Smith

Graphics Julia Bastek & Caroline Norrman, illustrations

Caroline Norrman, typesetting

Specialists allison h. Borden, research assistant

Magda Boucher, research assistant

approved by andrea Smith, post-excavation manager

Archaeological Investigations Ltd © Archaeological Investigations Ltd 2010

unit 1, Premier Business Park, Faraday road, hereford, hr4 9NZT 0143 236 4901 F 0143 236 4900

www.archaeologists.tv

CoNteNtS

1. InTroducTIon To The pLAn 1

2. ST BrIAveLS: ITS SeTTIng & ouTLIne hISTory 3

3. The cASTLe 5

4. The STAndIng BuILdIngS 11

4.1 Building a: the Gatehouse 11

4.2 Building B: the hall range 15

4.3 Building C: the Chapel range 20

4.4 Building D: the Keep 23

4.5 the Curtain Wall 24

4.6 the Moat 27

5. ArchAeoLogy And hISTorIc BuILdIng recordIng 29

6. ecoLogy 31

6.1 Methodology 31

6.2 Survey results 31

6.3 Summary of existing nature conservation features and concerns 35

7. SIgnIFIcAnce, vALue And poLIcIeS 37

7.1 evidential value 37

7.2 historical value 39

7.3 aesthetic value 40

7.4 Communal value 40

8. SummAry LIST oF poLIcIeS 43

8.1 evidential 43

8.2 historical 43

8.3 aesthetic 43

8.4 Communal 43

9. recommendATIonS 45

10. reFerenceS 47

10.1 other Key Sources 48

11. gAzeTTeer 49

11.1 the Buildings 50

11.2 Ground Floor and Below 63

11.3 First Floor 93

11.4 Second Floor 112

11.5 roof 117

liSt oF illuStratioNS

Illus 1 xiiLocation plan

Illus 2 81775 view of the castle showing the area of the current car park as water filled moat and the east half of the gatehouse before it was reconstructed. This also predates the conversion of the Hall Range and shows the gibbets above the prison

Illus 3 9First edition Ordnance Survey

Illus 4 9Second edition Ordnance Survey

Illus 5 9Third edition Ordnance Survey

Illus 6 12Plan showing the layout of elements of the castle

Illus 7 13Phase plans of the castle

Illus 8 14The Gatehouse (Building A) from the north-west, with the Hall Range (Building B) to the right.in the background

Illus 9 15The Gatehouse from the north-east

Illus 10 16The inner, or south, elevation of the Gatehouse

Illus 11 17The Hall Range (Building B) from the west, with the Gatehouse (A) to the left

Illus 12 18The Hall Range from the east, flanked by the Chapel Range (left) and the Gatehouse (right)

Illus 13 19The south-eastern corner of the Hall Range, with the Chapel Range to the right

Illus 14 19The inner face of the primary north gable end window of the Hall Range

Illus 15 20Ground-floor entrance corridor in the Solar part of the Hall Range, looking east to the doorway into the ground-floor of the Chapel Range

Illus 17 21The south elevation of the Chapel Range

Illus 16 21The Chapel Range (Building C) from the north-east

Illus 18 23Tumbled remnant of the wall of the Keep (Building D)

Illus 19 24The outside faces of Facets 2 (left) and 1 from the north-east

Illus 20 25The inner faces of Facets 2 and 3; note fireplace (right) and scar for the roof (left) of a range built in the angle of these two sections of the curtain

Illus 21 26The outer face of the northern end of Facet 3; note distinct drop in the height of surviving masonry

Illus 23 26The south-western angle of the Curtain Wall (Facet 6) from the south, with the west wall of the Hall Range beyond

Illus 22 26Facet 3, looking north; in the foreground are the remnants of a corner tower, part of Facet 4, the entrance into which has been infilled

Illus 24 27The outer face southern end of Facet 7, looking south; note the distinct construction break on the left. This seems to be the corner of the earlier curtain wall

Illus 25 28Part of the north-eastern section of the infilled moat, with the lily pond of 1961

Illus 26 28The 1887 Jubilee drinking fountain on the south side of the moat

Illus 27 30Excavation plan

Illus 28 32Ecology

Illus 29 38Photogrametric elevation of part of the Curtain Wall

liSt oF taBleS

Table 1 33Tree species identified on site

Table 2 34Birds recorded during survey, and location

aCKNoWleDGeMeNtS

archaeological investigations ltd would like to thank english heritage for commissioning the work. We would also like to thank richard K. Morriss and hilary Smith for assistance throughout the project.

the project was managed for archaeological investigations ltd by andy Boucher.

the report was written by andy Boucher, richard K. Morriss and hilary Smith with contributions by allison h. Borden and Magda Boucher. the illustrations were created by Julia Bastek and Caroline Norrman and the report was laid out and typeset by Caroline Norrman. Proofreading and quality control has been carried out by andrea Smith.

the following individuals were consulted during the production of this plan and their input and feedback were greatly appreciated:

english heritage – tom Course (events), Neil Parry (hospitality), Mark Badger (Site Staff/visitor operations Director), harriet attwood (education), Justin ayton (inspector of ancient Monuments), Gary Stone (health and Safety), tony rees (Marketing), heather Sabire (Property Curator) & elizabeth allison (estates Surveyor).

youth hostel Association – Simon Brista (regional Manager), Phil Miles (head of asset Management), Paul Sapwell (area operations Manager), Fizz Forsey (hostel Manager) & Paul Cook (Buildings Manager).

other – ed Wilson (environment agency) & laura Jones (Secretary of the Moat Society).

Cinder Hill

Church St

Church St

East St

High St

St BriavelsCastle

GloucestershireGloucestershire

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Reproduced using 2002 OS 1:25000 Explorer series no. OL14. Ordnance Survey © Crown copyright 2010 All rights reserved. Licence No. AL 100013329 Scale 1:2,000 @ A4 0 100mN

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Illus 1location plan

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HAS855St Briavels Castle, St Briavels. Gloucestershirearchaeological investigations ltd

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Conservation plan

iNtroDuCtioN to the 1. PlaN

English Heritage identified a need for a detailed conservation plan of St Briavels Castle. The property is owned freehold by the Crown Estate but is within the care and management of English Heritage since 1982. It is leased to the Youth Hostel Association for 25 years from 1997.

Unlike many monuments of its type the upstanding remnants of the castle are used on a daily basis, practically all year round, as residential accommodation for a youth hostel. This on the one hand has the benefit that the asset does not decay at the same rate as more ruinous monuments and is under more frequent maintenance. However, it also presents challenges in its own right, particularly maintaining and running a facility that is afforded considerable controls and protection through its Scheduled and Grade I listed status.

This plan has been produced on the basis of English Heritage’s publication Conservation Principle, Policies and Guidance for the sustainable management of the historic environment and following a detailed brief provided by English Heritage at the outset of the project.

The scope of the plan is:

To describe the setting and outline history of the •castle

To provide a detailed understanding of the history •of the castle

To describe the castle, its immediate environs and •its archaeological and ecological assets

To identify the significance of the heritage asset•

To produce policies for the asset and •recommendations for action.

The plan is based on the results of a broad documentary study of the site, site visits and consultation with 17 pre-selected stakeholders.

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St BriavelS: itS SettiNG 2. & outliNe hiStory

The village of St Briavels lies high up on the western edge of the high ground of the Forest of Dean, between two navigable rivers – the Wye to the west and the Severn to the east. It also lies towards the southern end of the natural boundary between what became the modern countries of England and Wales, about seven miles north of the key border town of Chepstow (Illus 1).

There were large Roman settlements in this region, notably Gloucester (Glevum) to the east, Chepstow to the south, at the estuary of the Wye, and Monmouth to the north on the banks of the same river. The hilly and wooded nature of the Forest probably made settlement within it difficult and certainly the main known Roman roads skirted around its edges.

After the withdrawal of the legions early in the 5th century AD this area was part of the surviving British holdings and later became part of the important Welsh kingdom of Gwent. However, Anglo-Saxon expansion in the area meant that it had probably come under Mercian control by the mid-7th century ad.

When Offa’s Dyke was built along the western border of Mercia in the late 8th century, although it occupied the high ground on the eastern bank of the Wye, St Briavels was just on the English side of it and was later within the new scire of Gloucestershire. Subsequently this meant that, despite its position on the border, it did not become one of the Marcher earldoms. St Briavels was also sufficiently important to become the head of a Hundred of the same name.

That name is clearly a remembrance of its Celtic origins, probably commemorating a 6th century Breton saint, spelt variously Briafael, Britomaglos or Brieuc.1 Brieuc may have been brought up in Wales and worked in south-west Britain before founding a monastery near Treguier in Brittany; there is a place called St Breock in Cornwall which presumably is of the same derivation.2 Curiously, the earliest recorded use of the name is not until Henry I’s pipe rolls for 1129–30, when there is a reference to the Castellum de Sancto Briauel.3 In about 1140, Empress Maud granted in fee St Briavels Castle together with the Forest of Dean to Miles earl of Gloucester4.

Prior to that the parish appears to have been the Ledeni referred to in the Domesday Book of 1086.5 The use of the name Lydney, and sometimes Ledeneia Parva – Little Lydney – could relate to the parish’s links with the larger Forest settlement of that name. At the end of the Saxon

1 lias, a., 1991, Place Names of the Welsh Borderlands, 71.2 attwater, D., 1965, The Penguin Dictionary of Saints, 753 ekwall, e., 1970, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-

Names, 400.4 Bodl. lib. MS.top.Glouc.c.3, f.138v5 Williams, a., & Martin, G.h., 2002, Domesday Book: A Complete

Translation, 460; Darby, h.C., & terrett, i.B. (eds.),1954, The Domesday Geography of Midland England, 38.

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period it was held by Ælfhere, included a fishery, and was worth £4; twenty years later it was held by William fitzBaderon and its value had halved.6

The Forest of Dean became an important Royal hunting park in the Norman period and had probably been so beforehand. It was also strategically placed on the border and this led to the establishment of new castles in the vicinity to control the border area and assist in the Norman conquest and control. Because of its natural resources – particularly iron ore and forest and, later, coal – it also became one of the country’s first iron producing areas.

The parish of St Briavels was created by assarting of forest land and the village of St Briavels was focused on the castle and the parish church, which are on either side of an ancient routeway between Hewelsfield and Wyegate Green. The church was probably founded before the castle.

St Mary’s has been considerably altered but at its core is a cruciform Norman building; of this a five-bay south arcade and a clerestory survive, along with the Transitional arches of the lost crossing tower. The long chancel is of Early English origins and it appears that from the 12th to the late 13th century this was a large and impressive building. Subsequently little was done to it until restorations in the 19th century, which included the construction of the present tower in c.1830 and a major restoration in 1861.7

The quality and size of the Norman and Early English church would suggest a sizeable community, although the influence of the castle on the church cannot be understated. Nevertheless, a writer at the start of the 19th century wrote that ‘the village was formerly of greater extent than at present, as appears from the ruined foundations of buildings; and was once regarded as a borough and market town’.8

St Briavels was granted a charter by Edward II in 1208 for a weekly market and in a deed of 1352 the villagers were termed burgesses. There is evidence that the market place was on the east side of the High Street. The attempt to create a market centre failed, despite the existence of the castle and its role in the administration of the Forest of Dean. The geographical position in a part of the Forest where transport was quite difficult may have inhibited development.

The Forest was, by nature and the inclination of its inhabitants, always slightly separate from both England and Wales, with its own customs and laws, directly subject to the King rather than to other civil authority.

6 Williams & Martin, op. cit., 460.7 verey, D., 1970, The Buildings of England: Gloucestershire: The Vale

and the Forest of Dean, 331-2.8 Woolnoth, W., 1825, The Ancient Castles of England and Wales, Vol.II,

np.

This independence was behind many of the complaints made to the Crown about perceived misuse of powers by the Bailiffs or Constables of the Forest who resided in the castle – such as in c.1341 when the ‘Good People of St Briavel and Newland’ complained to the King that the new Bailiff at the castle had ‘made them pay toll, pavage and murage wrong fully’ and interfered in their traditional courts.9

9 see e.g. rees, W., (ed.), 1975, Calendar of Ancient Petitions Relating to Wales, 136.

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the CaStle3.

It is not clear if the present castle was the first in the vicinity, especially as St Briavels parish is a very large one extended down to the banks of the Wye. A little to the north, Stowe Grange is just within the parish. In the medieval period it is considered that the route leading up from the Wye valley towards the heart of the Forest was significant, which is why a castle was built to control it and why there were two chapels near to it – at Mork and at Stowe.10

A hermitage is recorded at Stowe by 1220, served by two chaplains, and this later became the property of the Priory of Grace Dieu, Monmouthshire – a small and not particularly successful house to the west of Monmouth – which established a Grange there; the castle is presumably the earthwork at the northern entrance to the present Stowe Grange and was described as the ‘old castle’ as early as 1310.11

This does unfortunately make it unclear if the Castellum de Sancto Briauel referred to in the 1130 deed mentioned above is the present castle or the one at Stowe. However, the fragmentary evidence and documented descriptions of a large stone keep on a motte at St Briavels, possibly replacing an earlier one of timber, does suggest that there was a Norman castle on the site, quite possibly dating from the early-12th century.

The foundation date of the castle is thus unclear. The castle was evidently a Royal one in the early-12th century and Miles of Gloucester, hereditary Sheriff of the county and one of the great magnates of the region, appears to have had custody of the castle in 1130. In 1139, during the Anarchy, St Briavels was granted to him by Matilda after he had defected to her side from Stephen’s; two years later she made him Earl of Hereford.12 He died in 1143 and was buried in the chapter house of Llanthony Secunda priory in Gloucester, which he had founded.

St Briavels was inherited by Miles’ son, Roger, 2nd Earl of Hereford, but at the end of 1144 Henry II became king; following a dispute with the king, Roger retained most of his honours and lands but lost the Forest of Dean and St Briavels castle – which thus became a Royal property again.13 For the next two centuries, the Royal appointments of Constable of St Briavels and Warden of the Forest tended to be held by the same person, who also held the castle and the manor of St Briavels.

Nevertheless, until the end of the 12th century there are no surviving records to indicate any more building – even though Henry II is thought to have visited St Briavels in 1158 and 1164.14 Just £5 was spent on unspecified repairs

10 vCh, op. cit., 247-271.11 vCh, op. cit., 247-271; Newman, J., 2000, The Buildings of Wales:

Gwent/Monmouthshire, 235.12 Doubleday, h.a., Warrand, D. & de Walden, h. (eds.), The Complete

Peerage Vol. vi, 45313 ibid.14 taprell allen, W, 1878-9, ‘St Briavels Castle’, Transactions of the.

Bristol & Gloucestershire

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in 1197–8 and again in 1202–3.15 William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, was Warden between 1194 and 1206, followed by Hugh de Neville until 1216 and then John, Lord of Monmouth, until 1224.

King John visited St Briavels several times in the early 1200s and, shortly afterwards, a much larger sum, £291 12s. 3d., was spent on the castle between 1209–11; this can confidently be related to the construction of a grand first-floor hall and possibly the rebuilding of the Curtain Wall in stone. King John visited again in 1212 and 1213.

Throughout the 13th century there are references to repairs to the castle, including work on the tower, the ditches, the Curtain Wall, palisades, and a new drawbridge over the moat; a timber-framed chapel was built next to the ‘King’s chamber’ in 1236–7 and ten years later a chamber with chimney was built for the King’s knights.16

In 1260 over £76 was spent on plastering the middle stage of the tower – suggesting that it was of at least three storeys – and rebuilding the barricades and the barbican with timber from the Forest; ten years later several men were ‘imprisoned for stealing a great part of timber prepared for the repair of the castle’.17

Up until this time the castle continued to be a key element within the border area, as well as a Royal hunting lodge. It occupied a strategic military position and was also an administrative centre. In 1266 it was granted by Henry III to his son and heir, Prince Edward, later Edward I.

There are specific references to it being garrisoned by the Crown in 1234 and to the production and supply of cross-bow bolts – ‘quarrels’; the castle was the country’s main producer and benefited from the development of the local iron industry and its own inherent security. In the 1250s the chief manufacturer, John Malemort, was responsible for producing 25,000 quarrels a year at St Briavels.18

The Treaty of Rhuddlan in 1284, which effectively ended the long series of Anglo-Welsh wars, helped to bring more order to the area. John Botetourt was appointed Warden and Constable in 1291 and in 1292 a major campaign of rebuilding work began at the castle when the gatehouse was built on the orders of Edward I at a cost of £477.19 The surviving work clearly shows the influence of the Edwardian castles of North Wales and of James of St George, their principal architect.

Because it was a Royal castle, the surviving records relating to its upkeep are quite detailed and informative. The Constable of the castle, appointed by the Crown, was also usually the ‘Farmer’ of the Forest; Guy de Brian was

Archaeological Society, III, 325-367. 15 Colvin, h, 1963, History of the King’s Works, Volume II: The Middle

Ages, 82116 op. cit., 82217 ibid.18 Pounds, N J G, 1994, The Medieval Castles of England and Wales, 10919 ibid.

appointed Constable in 1335 and subject to complaints from the locals.20 Unusually, he was granted it for life and held it until 1390.

More work on the castle took place in the early-14th century for Edward II; between 1307–12 over £322 was spent on repairs to the walls, towers, buildings and bridges and the construction of a ‘peel’ and the extension of the Curtain Wall to include it.21 Despite further repairs to it in 1318, a survey of 1323 showed that the ‘peel’ had become ruinous; it was possibly a ‘pale’ or timber palisade as it was replaced by a stone wall.

A series of other repairs were then carried out on the roofs of the tower, the gatehouse, the round tower, the Hall, the pantry, the buttery, the kitchen, the King’s chamber, the Chapel, the wardrobe, the Knight’s chamber, the stable and the bakehouse; there is also reference to a wall above the King’s chapel and masonry in the Chapel next to the great tower.22

Notwithstanding those repairs, a further campaign of works was undertaken between 1331 and 1335 costing around £200; another building mentioned was a tower on the east side of the castle; a £5 annual grant for repairs allowed at this time seems not to have been adequate.23

In 1362 an inquisition was held at the castle to look into its maintenance needs and following on from it the roof of the great tower – presumably the Keep – was re-leaded and £80 was spent on the tower walls.24 The King’s chamber had suffered fire damage and needed to be repaired; this was probably accidental rather than intentional but the cost was £10.

There were repairs needed to the gatehouse, a small tower and the bridge in 1375–6; interestingly, the cost of over £21 was funded by the sale of 60 acres of woodland by the King. Lead was bought in Worcester at a cost of £12 6s. 8d., and twelve horse-loads of ‘musset’ – i.e. moss – were obtained to lay beneath it; 44lbs of tin were needed and four cart loads of freestone.25

After Guy de Brian’s death in 1390, the castle was granted in quick succession to the youngest son of Edward III, Thomas, Duke of Gloucester – who had his lands confiscated by Richard II and died in 1397 – and then to Thomas le Despencer, Earl of Gloucester, declared forfeit in 1399 by Richard’s usurper, Henry IV, and executed in the following year. Henry granted it to his younger son, John, later Duke of Bedford but after his death in 1435 the tenure of the castle and the Royal appointments of the Forest were officially separated.

20 rees, op. cit., 13621 ibid.22 op. cit., 82323 ibid.24 ibid.25 Colvin, op. cit., 823; Salzman, l F, 1992, Building in England Down to

1540, 266

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More repairs were needed to the bridge in 1434–5 but from then on there are no records of any more work undertaken by the Crown in the medieval period. From this assumption and the archaeological evidence of the site it seems that it was gradually run down. It was leased by the Baynham family from 1490 to 1528, then by Sir William Kingston and from then on the main lessees assigned the leases to others. These included, from 1547 to at least 1611, the Guise family, followed by Sir Richard Cathmay.

On stylistic and, more categorically, tree-ring dating, evidence it is known that the roof of the Chapel and the solar were renewed at the end of the 16th century and this is also the probable date of the re-roofing of the western of the two gate towers as well. It was, nevertheless, still the administrative centre of the Forest of Dean.

Although, given its position and the probable strength of the gatehouse, the castle was defendable during the English Civil War it does not appear to have been garrisoned for either side, even though Gloucestershire was one of the main areas of conflict and the Forest of Dean important for its iron production.

At this time the lease was held by the Earl of Pembroke, a Parliamentarian, and his assignees held the castle until the Restoration. After the war the castle continued to decay, despite repairs undertaken in 1670; the lease had passed to Henry Somerset, later Marquis of Worcester and Duke of Beaufort. His descendants held the lease until 1838.

In 1692 a report to the Crown stated that only parts of the site were still maintained for the Courts of the King’s Manor and the Hundred, and as a gaol.26 The gaol was in the first-floor of the western tower of the gatehouse complex at this time, judging from surviving dated graffiti on the walls; in the mid-18th century the pioneering prison reformer John Howard visited and reported on conditions and noted that ‘The keeper sells Beer, and there is company as at a common ale-house’.27

Further erratic repairs took place, largely financed by the felling of trees – for example in 1692–1701 and 1759–65.28 The keep and the eastern tower of the gatehouse seem to have become ruinous in the early-18th century and the rest was barely habitable.

A report of 1758 described the castle as being ‘in a very ruinous condition’, adding that ‘the courts cannot be held, nor can any persons be confined in the prison without endangering their lives’.29 The court rooms needed new floors and ceilings, walls needed plastering and windows re-glazing; a flight of external steps up to the courts (held in the former Chapel) needed rebuilding, the roofs of the gatehouse needed repair and 45 perches – about 225m – of the Curtain Wall needed to be rebuilt.30

26 taprell allen, op. cit., 34827 quoted in taprell allen, op. cit., 33428 Na lr 4/1/13; 4/8/4529 quoted in taprell allen, op. cit., 35630 ibid.

Repairs were at best dilatory; a report in 1772 stated that ‘some of the principal walls have fallen down’ and the agent in 1774 wrote that ‘I daily expect to hear of the fall of the principal part of the castle, which has been propped up some time’.31 Part of the Keep had already collapsed, in 1752, and the rest of it was demolished in about 1774.32

Much of the southern section of the east tower of the gatehouse collapsed in 1777 and was not repaired until about 1805; and at some time between 1783 and 1824 the famous forester’s chimney was moved from the eastern curtain wall to its present position in the solar.33

By the end of the 18th century St Briavels was on the edge of one of the earliest tourist routes in Britain, along the Wye Valley, though it is likely that the difficulty of access to it meant that few tourists did more than look at it from afar.

Unfortunately, even the observant, if sometimes acerbic, traveller John Byng (later Viscount Torrington) didn’t have time to visit St Briavels during his tour in the area in 1787 but he did glimpse it through the rain. He was told that despite being in ‘great decay’ the castle was ‘still maintaining a sort of consequence, as the place where all the forest, of dean, courts, and business are held’.34

According to a volume of Rudge’s history published in 1803, the castle ‘til of late years was preserved nearly intire’.35 A few years later there is another, more detailed, description:

‘The north-west front, which is nearly all that has escaped the ravages of time, consists of two circular towers, three storeys high, separated by a gateway having an elliptical arch; there is a small bridge thrown across the moat.’36

There was a prison in one of the towers and ‘on the right of entrance are the remains of an apartment with pointed windows and on the left, vestiges of a once magnificent hall.37 The same writer described the demolished keep as having been ‘a large square tower above 100 feet in height, flanked by two smaller towers, about half that height, with walls of great thickness’ and he also noted a date on a beam, in what was probably the Chapel Range, of MDLXVII – 1567.38

In the early-19th century the courts were held in the former chapel and the former solar was used as the jury room. The west tower of the gatehouse was used both as the home of the gaoler and his family and the gaol. The former great hall to the south was roofless and ruinous and its ground floor was used as a pound for cattle found to be grazing illegally.

31 ibid.32 Curnow, P, & Johnson, e a, 1985, ‘St Briavels Castle’, Chateau

Gaillard, Vol.12, 9333 Curnow & Johnson, op. cit., 9734 andrews, C Bruyn (ed.), 1934, The Torrington Diaries, Vol. I, 27135 rudge, t, 1803, The History of Gloucestershire, Vol. II, xliv36 Storer, J, 1808, The Antiquarian and Topographical Cabinet, 54 37 ibid.38 ibid.

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Reports by the government and by the Society for Improvements to Prisons show that the gaol consisted of a single apartment capable of holding ten people; women were held elsewhere and there was little attempt to confine prisoners to the castle all the time; there were seldom more than two or three debtors at any one time.

Another article published in 1825 stated that part of the gatehouse ‘…has now become a public-house under the denomination of ‘The Castle Inn’.39 However, at the time of the 1841 census the only occupants of the castle were the keeper of the prison – Abel Watkins, his wife, their three adult children, Richard Roberts, a prisoner, and his wife, and another couple – Jeremiah Evans, enigmatically described as a ‘gent’, and his wife; he may have been a debtor.40 The court finally closed in 1842 and the castle was taken back into Crown hands soon afterwards.

The moat was finally drained about 1863, leaving only a small pond – the Castle Pool – on the north-west side.41 In a piece published in the Gentleman’s Magazine in 1860, a writer noted that ‘the Hall has unfortunately been destroyed, but the solar, or lord’s chamber, at the upper end of it remains, and is now used as a schoolroom; it contains a fine fireplace of this period, over which is the well-known chimney with the bugle-horn for a crest upon the top of it. It is one of the most beautiful chimney-tops in England’. He also added that some of the former service apartments, though mutilated, survived at the lower end of the Hall.42

Some general repairs to the fabric appear to have been carried out in the second half of the 19th century and the former courts were adapted for the local school which

39 Fielding, t h, 1825, British Castles, 5440 ho 107/364/341 taprell allen, op. cit., 33242 anon, 1860, The Gentleman’s Magazine, Part II, 335-354

thus made use of the first-floor of the Chapel and the southern, or solar, end of the Hall Range; the school remained in the castle until new buildings were provided in the village which opened in 1872.43

Afterwards, the furnishings were ripped out of the Chapel and within a few years the floorboards had been removed, the windows were shattered and the roof virtually stripped of its coverings; the ground floor was then a stable.44

There was still accommodation in the western part of the gatehouse; one notable feature surviving until the end of the 19th century was a dog-wheel to turn a spit over a fireplace, said to be of 17th century date, in its kitchen, which was in the southern part of the dwelling.

In 1861 this was occupied only by Jane Murphy, a 59 year old widowed post-mistress; from the 1870s to 1880s by Celia Tovey, described in the 1881 census as a 51-year old widowed dressmaker living there with her three unmarried children, her 81 year old father, Thomas Darby, a retired farmer, and her one year old nephew.

The fortunes of the castle revived in the 1880s; works were evidently underway by 1882 when, during ‘certain repairs’ the basement or oubliette under the eastern tower was rediscovered and cleared.45 Local Directories of the mid-1880s record that the ‘chapel or oratory has undergone considerable repair’ and is again occasionally used for the local courts and in 1887, St Margaret’s chapel was licensed for services again – except marriages.46

At the time of the 1891 census the castle was the home of the Winterbotham family. On census night the official head of the household was Ada, aged just 15 – her parents presumably being away at the time; also in the house were her sister, Edith, aged 13, a friend, Dorothy Balfour, 10, Mary Brown, 20, a domestic servant, and the sisters’ Governess, Austrian-born Hedwig Hutshinsuter. The sisters had been born in India and the fact that they had servants suggests that the accommodation had already been upgraded from a humble cottage.47 It is also possible that their father was in the Indian service.

The upgrading of the facilities of the accommodation within the castle is confirmed by local Directories in the 1890s. It was then the home of William Henry Hinton, esquire, listed in the ‘Gentry’ section.

43 taprell allen, op. cit., 359; P278 SC144 ibid.45 taprell allen, W, 1882-3, ‘St Briavels Castle’, Transactions of the.

Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society, VII, 318.46 P278 SC1/247 rG12/4337

Illus 21775 view of the castle showing the area of the current car park as water filled moat and the east half of the gatehouse before it was reconstructed. this also

predates the conversion of the hall range and shows the gibbets above the prison

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Illus 3First edition ordnance Survey

Illus 4Second edition ordnance Survey

Illus 5third edition ordnance Survey

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However, it was apparently very early in the 20th that a major scheme was put in hand to convert the castle into a large country house. The castle was described as unoccupied in 1901 and that is confirmed by the Census return of that year. Soon afterwards a programme of reconstruction began which resulted in the building of a new two storey block on the footprint of the former hall range, further refurbishment of the adjacent solar and chapel ranges at its southern end, and the repair and re-ordering of the gatehouse.48

This was presumably undertaken by the Crown Estate for its new tenant, Katherine Campbell. Katherine was the daughter of a clergyman, Thomas Claughton – later the Bishop of St Albans – and the widow of Ronald Campbell, second son of the 2nd Earl Cawdor of Castlemartin; he had been a Captain in the Coldstream Guards but was killed during the Zulu War of 1879 leaving Katherine as a fairly young widow with three children to raise.49

In 1915 licence was granted for services to take place in the castle chapel, dedicated to St Margaret and said to have been restored by her.50 She died, aged 85, at St Briavels Castle in 1934.

The castle remained a private house until 1939 and during the Second World War housed a school evacuated from Bristol between 1942 and 1946. It was then leased by the Crown Estate to the Youth Hostel Association and converted into a youth hostel which opened in 1948, and has remained so ever since.

Apart from internal improvements the main changes have been the partial rebuilding of the south-eastern part of the gatehouse. The setting was improved by a local Moat Society who cleared the surroundings of undergrowth to create a public open space around the castle wall in 1961 and continued to maintain it thereafter. The property was placed in the guardianship of the Secretary of State for the Environment and is now in the care and management of English Heritage.

48 the Castle was recorded as being empty at the time of the 1901 census, suggesting work had started.

49 Mosley, C (ed.), 2007, The Complete Peerage, i, 72950 Gro P278 iN2/2

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the StaNDiNG BuilDiNGS4.

Excluding the Curtain Wall and the fragmentary remnants of the supposed original Keep, the surviving standing buildings of the castle form an irregular interlocked group at the north-western corner of the site, immediately opposite the south entrance to the parish church.

There are three main buildings as well as the remains of the Keep, the Curtain Wall and a modern shed. These have been labelled alphabetically and subdivided where necessary (see Illus 6).

Building A: The gatehouse4.1

The Gatehouse is the most substantial and least altered of the standing buildings, despite having been restored on more than one occasion and being partly ruinous. It is known from documentary evidence to date from the 1290s but is not the oldest part of the castle; it clearly abutted against the Hall Range (Building B) to the south-west.

It consists of a central axial gate passage (Building A1) flanked by substantial ‘D-shaped’ towers (Buildings A2 & A3). Only the northern part of the passage is vaulted – and the vault is clearly not original. The two towers are three storeys high but the rear, or southern, half of the East Tower (A3) has only a single storey – all fairly modern – though much of the outer walls of the upper section survive.

4.1.1 The Exterior

The north, or outer, elevationThe principal elevation is to the north, facing the church. This elevation was virtually symmetrical in plan. In the centre is the main entrance to the gate passage, accessed by a walled ramp probably rebuilt in the early-20th century from an earlier ramp; originally there would have been a draw-bridge across the moat.

This entrance is deeply recessed beneath a shallow two-centred head of several plainly moulded orders; below this the angled flanks of the towers continue their alignment for a short distance to the jamb of the gateway whilst above the flanks stop in line with the main front elevation of the gate passage.

The gateway has a matching shallow two-centred head, quite plain, and incorporates a portcullis slot on the outside and an internal rebate for the inward-opening gates. The present gates are of studded timber hung on elaborate strap hinges, presumably of c.1905 date. Above the gateway is a primary square-headed loop with splayed reveals and the top of this section is a rebuilt battlemented parapet.

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Building a: the Gatehouse Building a1: the Gate Passage Building a2: the West tower Building a3: the east tower

Building B: the hall range Building B1: the State apartment Building B2: the Common room

Building C: the Chapel

Building D: remains of the medieval Keep

Building e: Curtain Wall and associated features

Building F: Modern shed

area G: the moat area G1: east side of moat area G2: West side of moat area G3: Main access to castle area G4: the carpark

C

D

E2

E Moat 1

Moat 2

Moat 3

Moat 4A2 A3

A1

B1

B2F1F2

facet 1

facet 2

facet 3

facet 4

facet 5

facet 6

facet 7

facet 8

Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

0 50mN

Illus 6Plan showing the layout of elements of the castle

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The projecting northern curving sections of the flanking towers were originally virtually mirror-images of each other. The towers have battered plain plinths with three spurs rising almost as high as the tops of the ground floor loops.

There are two ‘bays’ of tall narrow loops facing northwards in each tower. The ground floor ones originally had oillets top and bottom. All of these have been modified; the only one in almost its original form is the westernmost one of the West Tower, though the top of this has been infilled and a lower square head substituted. The other three have been widened into square-headed timber-framed cross-mullions with leaded-light glazing.

Apart from those on either side formerly lighting garderobes, at first-floor level the loops were originally square headed and those of the West Tower survive virtually unaltered.

Those in the East Tower have been converted into windows identical to those on the ground floor. On the second floor there were only loops, square-headed, in the ‘bay’ immediately flanking the central section. The one in the West Tower is little altered and the one in the East Tower has been converted into a window.

There are no parapets at the tops of the towers which have, instead, a rather clumsy eaves detail which continues on the flanks. There are, however, traces of external corbels

Keypre 1290s1290-131018th/19th centuryc.1900mid-late 20th century

10m0

1:400 @ A4

N

ground �oor plan �rst �oor plan

second �oor plan

Illus 7Phase plans of the castle

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on both towers associated with the original design, possibly part of a corbel table supporting the original embattled parapet arrangement. In the inner facet of each tower there are square chimneys rising from the wall heads serving the fireplaces within.

The west elevationThe west elevation of the West Tower butts against the earlier north gable wall of the Hall Range (Building B); close to the junction is a thickening out at ground level which could be associated with garderobe provision.

The west elevation is of two bays, with relatively intact primary loops at three floor levels at the northern, or left-hand, end. The lower two have oillets top and bottom and the upper one is slightly wider with a square head.

To the south of these was another loop on the ground floor with oillets, but only the top of this survived the insertion of a stone-framed cross-mullioned window. There is another primary square-headed loop a little further south and set slightly higher up in the wall; it presumably lit a primary vice or garderobe within.

Set roughly above the gap between these two openings are two-light stone mullioned windows at first and second-floor levels, the former having a segmental relieving arch above it.

The east elevationThe east elevation is similar to the west. At the northern end there are the same three loops at each level, but on this elevation the top one has been converted into a timber cross-mullioned window. In the centre of the elevation is a barred loop with oillets on the ground floor with a square-headed two-light stone-mullioned window above.

At the southern end is a square projecting section related to the site of the large spiral stairs within the building. The stairs were lit by a loop with oillets in between the ground and first-floor levels and there was possibly another opening above those. At this end, the wall continues past the abutting curtain wall.

The south, or inner, elevation The inner elevation faces into the courtyard, butting against the flank of the Hall Range on the west. The section through which the inner opening of the gate passage is formed projects further into the courtyard than the rest and at the junction between the two is a corbelled ‘squinch’ linking the wall head and the top of the Curtain Wall, presumably associated with the original wall-walk and parapet.

At ground-floor level is the inner opening to the gate passage, with a depressed two-centred head of several

Illus 8the Gatehouse (Building a) from the north-west, with the hall range (Building B) to the right.in the background

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orders very similar to the main entrance gateway at the opposite end. There is a rebate for gates opening into the passage and protecting those from attack on the courtyard side was a portcullis – the slots of which survive in the flanks of the opening.

At first-floor level to the east of the gateway is a primary two-light window opening, with triangular headed plain-chamfered lights recessed within an opening with depressed two-centred, virtually triangular, head. This window has splayed internal reveals and was glazed.

There is evidence for another slightly narrower primary window directly above this on the second floor – the lower jambs of which and its blocking survive below the truncated wall top.

4.1.2 The Roof

None of the roof structure is primary and there is little surviving evidence of the original roof design. There are now three separate roof structures – one over the West Tower, one over the front, or north section, of the East Tower and a third, modern, one over the ground-floor of its southern section. The gate passage has no roof other than the vaulting over the entrance section.

Building B: The hall range4.2

The Hall Range is the oldest of the standing buildings on the site, and clearly pre-dates those that abut it to the north and east. It has been radically altered and because of this is easily divided into two separate sections within the same original rectangular footprint – seeming to consist of a main section with a gabled cross-wing at the southern end.

The north gable wall is abutted against by the later Gatehouse (Building A) and thus largely concealed externally, however, the position of a primary window is quite clear inside (see below). In addition, the southern part of the eastern side wall is also obscured by the later Chapel Range (Building C).

The west, or outer, side wallThe west wall of the Hall Range was largely rebuilt as part of the restoration of the early-1900s. Only the southern, or right-hand, third of the wall and a stub at the extreme northern end is still original work, the rest being considerably thinner. At the southern end there is a slight set-back between the old and new work from virtually ground level to the base of the battlements. At the northern end the difference is marked only by a set-back in the plinth.

Illus 9the Gatehouse from the north-east

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The wall rises from a crude battered plinth, and it is possible that this is repaired and patched primary facework below the rebuilt portion of the elevation. The older southern, or right-hand, section coincides with the cross-gabled roof at this end of the range which has clearly been a feature of it for many centuries.

From within the ceiling void it is clear that this gable end of the roof is considerably thinner than the walling below. At this end the rubblestone masonry is cruder and more weathered but there are no obvious indications of any former openings other than the existing ground-floor doorway and the first-floor window directly above.

The doorway is tall and narrow with a depressed four-centred head and plainly chamfered stone surround.

Above the wooden door is a tall leaded-light fanlight. The doorway is evidently inserted and though of c.1600 form is probably part of the refurbishment of the early 1900s.

In contrast, the cross-mullioned window above, whilst also inserted, is probably of the late-16th century or early-17th century and above it is a segmental relieving arch. The glazing and the two sections of mullion are, however, of 20th century date. Visible within the first floor is an earlier arch-headed reveal, and the window is probably the remodelling of a primary medieval one.

The present late-16th century window was the model for those in the rebuilt section of the wall, all of which are variants of it with openings under segmental relieving arches with square-headed and stone framed windows. There are three bays in this section, with the windows vertically aligned on the two floors, but there is no symmetry in the window design.

The first-floor leaded-light windows are larger than those on the ground floor as they light principal apartments. The two northern, or left-hand, ones are three-light windows, mullioned and transomed, whilst the third is a cross-mullion one of the same height. Their sills are linked by a subtle string course in the masonry. On the ground floor the windows are lower and simply mullioned; the northern and southernmost windows are as wide as the first-floor ones above – of three and two lights respectively – but the central one is only of two lights.

At the top of this rebuilt section is an embattled parapet that runs into the plain gable of the southern section’s cross-gabled roof at one end and a solid parapet at the other which returns along the short exposed section of the north gable wall.

The East, or Courtyard, WallThe eastern wall to the courtyard is of roughly coursed rubblestone and just below the wall top there is the remnant of a corbel table; the run of quadrant profiled stone corbels survives best at the southern end but there a handful of erratic survivals of the same towards the northern end.

Much of this elevation is hidden or obscured by the later Chapel Range (Building C) and, at the extreme northern end, by the rear wall of the later Gatehouse to the north

Illus 10the inner, or south, elevation of the Gatehouse

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(Building A). That later abutment hides the evidence of the original corner detailing. At the opposite end the south-eastern corner has the substantial remains of clasping buttresses faced in ashlar and with shouldered weatherings, partly robbed out.

There is a similar flat pilaster buttress in the northern part of the wall – the upper part of which is associated with the flue of a first-floor fireplace position within. This could have been matched by another in that section now obscured by the Chapel Range to give a degree of symmetry to this elevation.

At ground floor level there are possible traces of three primary windows. Two of these flank the pilaster buttress in the northern half of the wall. To the south of the buttress the opening is relatively unaltered, despite now housing a two-light window. Externally, it has a deeply chamfered ashlared surround with a two-centred arched head. Internally there is a splayed reveal of exposed rubblestone with crudely vaulted head ending in a segmental rear-arch of rubblestone. The leaded-light glazing and sill are presumably part of the early-20th century repairs.

The window to the north of the buttress retains the top of the chamfered head externally but has been converted into a doorway, probably some time ago. The doorway has a

segmental arched head of rubblestone, and the plank door in the timber frame is presumably of early-20th century date.

At the extreme southern end of the wall is an inserted two-light stone framed window, probably part of the early-1900 work. There is some evidence to suggest that this has replaced an earlier loop with splayed reveal slightly to the north; its internal southern jamb is of chamfered ashlar and there is a construction break just north of its northern jamb.

The present ground-floor doorway at the southern end of the wall, immediately to the south of a masonry cross wall, leads into the Chapel Range and has an asymmetric splay; it could be associated with another lost primary loop converted into a doorway but is more likely to have been a primary external doorway from the courtyard prior to the Chapel being built.

Another blocked reveal in the masonry immediately to the north of the cross wall could have been either a smaller primary external doorway or an early inserted doorway into the ground floor of the Chapel Range.

At a much later date, presumably in the early-1900s, a replica loop was built to the south of the intact ground-floor window and given a narrow reveal through the wall to light a service room within.

Illus 11the hall range (Building B) from the west, with the Gatehouse (a) to the left

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At first-floor level there appear to be two surviving primary window openings, possible traces of a third, and another opening of uncertain date blocked before the doorways into the Chapel Range were inserted.

The two surviving primary window openings are to either side of the Chapel Range, though this was clearly not part of a primary design; the south wall of the Chapel Range abuts the northern jamb of the southern window quite uncomfortably.

Both window openings have a pair of narrow lights with two-centred heads within a shared opening with similar head – with infilled spandrels between the heads of the lights and the heads of the opening.

The surrounds are of simply moulded ashlar and each window has a deep splayed reveal with segmental rear-arch and sloping base; the top of the reveal of the southern window opening is cut by the present ceiling of the Jury Room within and a fairly crude attempt was made to convert the lower part into a square-headed mullioned window, probably around 1600.

Presumably the restoration of the upper section was part of the early-1900s work. The overall style of these windows suggests Transitional Norman and an early-13th century date seems probable.

At the northern end of the wall is a tall square-headed loop with a splayed reveal. Although just plain-chamfered, the detailing is a little different than that of the other two windows and it seems to be of later medieval date.

Internally and to the north of the southern window there are the exposed jambs of a full height first-floor opening which seems to have had a flat lintel, internally at least. This seems to have been blocked when the present cross-wall was built and could have been a doorway, accessed from external steps.

At the southern end of the wall, the masonry rises into a plain gable to support this end of the cross-roofed section of the range; this was clearly an addition associated with post-medieval remodelling of the complex.

The South Gable WallThe south gable wall now reads as the side wall of a cross-wing, but was probably only cut down to its present height when the range was re-ordered and re-roofed at the end of the 16th century.

Because of the prevailing ground level to the south, the lower part of the wall is hidden by the bank. It is unclear if this relates to the original ground levels or whether the area to the south has been built up since the range was first built.

Illus 12The Hall Range from the east, flanked by the Chapel Range (left) and the Gatehouse (right)

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The only opening is on the first-floor but is a doorway leading out into the garden and flanked by windows. The framing is of stone with depressed four-centred arched heads to the doorway and the window lights, all in a vaguely Perpendicular Tudor style and presumably dating to the start of the 20th century.

Just to the right, or east, of the window are odd projecting blocks of masonry that seem to belong to a lost projection of some kind, perhaps a canted oriel window. There is too little remaining to properly understand this feature but it certainly predated the present window opening.

The North Gable WallAlthough mostly obscured by the later Gateway (Building A), the inner face of the north gable wall is exposed and contains one of the most important architectural survivals of the castle – a complete primary window splay placed central to the elevation.

This was a single light window with ashlared surround and trefoiled head, presumably chamfered externally and rebated internally for a shutter. The splayed reveal is of rendered rubblestone with an ashlared internal frame topped by a shallow two-centre headed rear-arch. Within the reveal are surviving window seats with moulded tops and the base of the reveal clearly shows that it relates to a much higher first floor level than the present one.

Running at a diagonal angle through the ground floor of the wall are two passages providing access into the Gatehouse and these have clearly been inserted into the fabric.

The roof structure is of two distinct parts and probably has been since the end of the 16th century – although it probably had a single pitched roof when it was originally built – of which no traces have survived.

Illus 13the south-eastern corner of the hall range, with the Chapel range to the right

Illus 14the inner face of the primary north gable end window of the

hall range

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Apart from the upper floor of the southern third of the range, the internal arrangements are entirely of the rebuilding of the early-20th century with some minor later changes.

The southern third is separated from the rest by a substantial masonry cross wall which is of some antiquity but probably not primary. At its eastern end it appears to cut into the site of a former first-floor doorway. It may, however, date from the end of the 16th century or before.

Building c: The chapel range4.3

The Chapel Range is a stone-built and much altered two-storey rectangular structure built at right-angles against the southern part of the east wall of the earlier Hall Range (Building B).

It is built mainly of roughly coursed sandstone rubble with longer stones as quoins at the eastern corners; at the west end it utilised the existing part of the wall of the Hall Range.

The North Elevation (Illus 16)The north elevation faces the small internal yard of the castle. Presently there is, on the ground floor, a doorway with partly glazed door flanked by single-light windows under a shared segmental arched head of cut stone voussoirs. The opening is clearly inserted and the leaded light glazing and other detailing suggests an early-20th century date.

Immediately to the west, or right, of these openings there are scars in the masonry of at least two phases of earlier doorways, the oldest consisting of the western jambs – chamfered with a basal stop – associated with the remains of the springing of one side of a much steeper two-centred relieving arch in the masonry, possibly of medieval form.

To the east, or left, of the present doorway is a two-light window of similar date with the same type of segmental arched head and glazing. However, beneath the window sill there are clear vertical construction breaks continuing the line of the jambs down to ground level indicating that the window occupies the position of an earlier doorway.

At first-floor level, just to the west of centre, is a stone-mullioned three-light window with mainly sunk-chamfers in the frame, a flush splayed sill and its head under the eaves. This has leaded light glazing of c.1900 but this is set back behind the original glazing line marked by the slots for diamond set glazing stanchions in the soffit of the head of each light. The window could thus be of late-16th to mid-17th century date.

At the western end of the first-floor is a section of rebuilt masonry beneath a shallow segmental arched head similar to those above the ground-floor openings; this was clearly an inserted window that was subsequently blocked.

There are several discontinuities in the rest of the masonry that probably relate to various campaigns of repair and alteration. There is also, towards the eastern, or left-hand, end of the elevation a projecting carved corbel, probably of medieval origin but not necessarily in situ.

The South Elevation (Illus 17)The south elevation is partly obscured by the modern lean-to shed. It has the remnants of what appears to be a thin projecting stone string course – perhaps a weathering strip – just above the sills of the existing first-floor window; its purpose is unclear.

There are no openings on the ground floor at present but towards the western, or left-hand, end of the elevation is a section of infill masonry blocking a former doorway opening. The eastern jamb of the doorway survives fossilised within the masonry as does what appears to be part of the arched head or perhaps a relieving arch. At the opposite end of the elevation is a blocked square-headed loop, probably primary, its deeply splayed reveal visible within.

Illus 15Ground-floor entrance corridor in the Solar part of the Hall Range, looking east to the doorway into the ground-floor of

the Chapel range

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Illus 16the Chapel range (Building C) from the

north-east

Illus 17the south elevation of the Chapel range

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The large three light mullioned and transomed stone-framed first-floor window is a fairly recent insertion, probably of c.1900. It has plain-chamfered stone framing and a drip-mould immediately beneath the eaves, and simply decorated leaded light glazing.

At the western end of the elevation at this level is an earlier blocked stone-framed window of three lights with plain chamfered surround virtually identical to the surviving window on the north side but protected by remnants of a stone drip-mould.

The East Gable WallThe east gable wall has a degree of disrupted masonry at ground-floor level which may simply be the result of repairs and refacing. A stone chimney has been added onto the northern slope of the gable proper.

Although there is a degree of disturbance in the masonry in the centre of the ground floor level that could suggest the position of a former loop or window opening, the only opening at present is a three-light stone-mullioned window at first-floor level, formed within an earlier and taller opening that appears to be primary and is clearly medieval in date.

The original outer frame of this window opening survives. The newer window opening has an inserted stone lintel – fairly modern in date – just below the level of the springing of the two-centred arched head of the original, and below the lintel reuses the original jambs. The actual window frame is of timber and recessed slightly within the opening.

The original fame had a chamfered surround of at least two orders and there indication of the blocked sockets for saddle-bars. The sill seems to be primary as well and has the remnants of the feet of two mullions, indicating that the window was of three lights. The arched head of the original window is blocked in masonry and its components parts removed; evidence in the surviving masonry indicates that it was decorative, probably with cusps and foils, though the exact design is impossible to properly reconstruct. It appears, however, to be convincingly medieval and possibly of 14th century date.

The range now has a plain-gabled roof covered in modern machine-made pantiles. There is evidence externally, in the form of a surviving section of angled weathering fossilised in the east wall of the adjacent Hall Range, of a higher and more steeply pitched roof structure for a range in this position.

The much altered interior of the Chapel Range consists of large single spaces on each floor level, accessed through stone-framed doorways from the adjacent Hall Range.

4.3.1 Discussion & Suggested Phasing

This range is traditionally known as the Chapel. Although much altered, such a use would fit two of its

most significant surviving first-floor features – the once grand eastern window and the piscina in the south wall.

Phase One: c.1300The relative scale and status of the medieval doorways from the Hall Range also indicate that the first floor was more important than the ground floor and other pieces of evidence show that the roof was once slightly higher and more steeply pitched. If it was a chapel, there was presumably an altar at the east end beneath the once decorative three-light window, and the piscina in the south wall would have been in the most logical position to serve the celebrant.

It is unclear whether or how the side walls were originally lit in this primary stage as the present windows are post-medieval. It is also possible that there was a single storey range along the southern side of the building, perhaps accounting for the remnants of a first-floor string course on that side.

At ground floor level it is possible that the remnants of opposing doorways at the western ends of the side walls are primary features for some form of cross-passage through an undercroft beneath the Chapel above. The stone-framed doorway at this level from the Hall Range appears to be medieval but is less decorative than the one above. How this ground floor was originally lit is less clear.

A timber-framed chapel is known to have been built in roughly this position in the 1230s. It is feasible that when the castle was being upgraded in the 1290s – when the Gatehouse was built – a decision was made to replace the older chapel with a new one in the same area. A date of c.1300 seems plausible for the few surviving primary features of the present range.

Phase Two: c.1590sWhilst there may have been one or more alterations and major repairs to the range in the interim, the next major identifiable change appears to have occurred at the very end of the 16th century when the present roof replaced an earlier one – presumably the medieval original.

Dendro-dating of the present roof structure gave a date in the 1590s which would fit the general character of the carpentry and design. It seems likely that this re-roofing coincided with the insertion of the three-light stone-mullioned windows on either side of the first floor.

Quite why these were not placed opposite each other is unclear, as there is no indication in the roof structure to suggest this floor level was sub-divided into two or more spaces at this time. Indeed, it appears to have been used for centuries as the Court House.

It is possible that the medieval window in the east gable was domesticated at this time and converted into window

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through the Gatehouse (Building A). The remodelled range also had a new fireplace at the east end, though it is less certain whether the stack and chimney serving these was new or simply repaired.

Building d: The Keep4.4

The fragmentary ruins of the Keep lie on the now largely landscaped area of the motte in the southern end of the site. Above ground, these consist solely of mortared amorphous lumps of masonry (Illus 18), but there is nothing else above ground level.

Excavations in the recent past exposed part of the corner of the footings of the Keep, which on that evidence was both large and well-built – fitting the traditions of the 100 foot high keep and its lower towers. It was approximately 18m/59ft long (west-east) and 14m/46ft wide with walls up to 2.5m/8ft thick. There was a spiral stair in the south-western angle of the structure and the section of lost curtain wall from the south-western corner of the enclosure butted against the southern end of its west wall.

This was evidently a substantial structure and one that was presumably once the focal point of the castle. As the defensive heart of the site it was replaced by the Gatehouse

of similar form – though it is also possible that there was a fireplace added which pre-dates the much later one. The character of the windows suggests domestic usage so the introduction of heating at this level would seem likely. Changes to the ground floor during this period are difficult to assess mainly because of later changes and the degree of repair to the external masonry.

Phase Three: c.1905In the three centuries or more between the re-roofing of the Chapel Range and its restoration at the start of the 20th century there were probably several alterations to the fabric, though given the general decline of the castle during that time it is unlikely that many of these were radical.

At the start of the 20th century the Chapel Range was restored. The work involved appears to have been extensive, and the range was probably effectively gutted during the process. The first floor appears to have been renewed and a large new window was added on the south side. The east window was either renewed or inserted, the north window was re-glazed, and a new fireplace added at the east end.

The ground floor was given new windows and doorways and old ones were presumably blocked. Significantly, the new doorway flanked by windows in the north wall was deliberately place to align, for effect, with the gate passage

Illus 18tumbled remnant of the wall of the Keep (Building D)

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complex at the end of the 13th century, become neglected by the late-medieval period, and ruinous by the 17th century; it partly collapsed and was then pulled down in the 18th century.

With little of it surviving above ground it is difficult to be confident about its dating or design. It was presumably Norman and probably of the 12th century in date; an obvious parallel would be the surviving 12th century keep at Goodrich Castle, a few miles upstream in the Wye valley.

The curtain Wall4.5

The castle buildings are set within a polygonal stone curtain wall which has been subjected to considerable rebuilding and change but still defines the parameters of the site and its relationship with the village. The irregular course of the wall can be broken down into separate facets.

4.5.1 Facet 1

Facet 1 is the northern facet running directly eastwards from close to the south-eastern corner of the Gatehouse (Building A). Externally, there is a distinct batter and a

degree of irregularity at the junction of the wall and the flank of the Gatehouse; the walling is of well-coursed rubblestone but devoid of features.

The southern, inner, end of the gate-passage projects slightly further to the south of the rest of its south gable wall – which is in line with the inner face of this facet of walling. It seems highly likely that the late-13th century Gatehouse utilised an existing section of curtain wall but needed to be thicker at the position of the arched gateway from the gate passage.

In the angle between the projecting and set-back sections at the wall tops is a squinch arch, presumably built to ensure a complete wall walk between the top of the battlements of the wall and the inner defences of the Gatehouse.

No battlements survive but the present height of the wall is probably close to the original. The upper stage of the wall has been extensively restored and there has been considerable patching and rebuilding to the rest of the masonry.

4.5.2 Facet 2

This short section of wall forms the angled north-eastern corner of the enceinte and clearly formed, at one time, the

Illus 19the outside faces of Facets 2 (left) and 1 from the north-east

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back of a tall range within the main castle courtyard, the northern end of which butted against Facet 1 (see Illus 19).

It appears to be contemporary with Facet 1 and is built of the same type of coursed rubblestone with a substantial external battered plinth. There are some surviving putlog holes visible on the outer face of the wall.

On the inner face of the wall, close to the junction with the next facet to the east, is a distinct weathering strip for the mono-pitched roof of a tall, probably two-storey, range built against that facet (see Illus 19 & 20).

4.5.3 Facet 3

There is a more acute junction between Facets 2 and 3 than there is between Facets 1 and 2. Facet 3 is the longest section of perimeter wall and whilst in origin is probably contemporary with those northern sections, much of the southern portion of this length has been rebuilt and some sections are little more than consolidated rubble core.

The northern section of the wall is as tall as Facets 1 and 2 but then the height drops where the masonry has been lost and the masonry rebuilt – much of the upper portions dating from the relatively recent past and probably from when the castle was rebuilt as a large country house. Apart from the continuation of a battered plinth, there

are no obvious features of note on the outer face for most of the length of the wall.

In the inner face of the northern section of the wall is a large ground-floor fireplace with replaced timber lintel of modern date. There are surviving moulded corbels for the original lintel, which was possibly of stone – but the masonry above this level has been rebuilt.

The right-hand, or southern, half of a plain stone relieving arch in the masonry survives above the opening. There is a full, if restored, segmental stone relieving arch towards the top of the wall but no second fireplace for an upper floor.

The stone lining of the reveal of the fireplace could be substantially original but has also been repaired. Within the thickness of the Curtain Wall is a circular sectioned flue rising to the surviving chamfered ashlared stone base of a former chimney.

4.5.4 Facet 4

This is a short section of wall which effectively forms the chamfered south-eastern corner of the enceinte; at its north-eastern end there is clear evidence of a lost feature with square internal footprint. Only its back wall and the short truncated returns of the inner masonry lining survive.

Illus 20The inner faces of Facets 2 and 3; note fireplace (right) and scar for the roof (left) of a range built in the angle of these two sections

of the curtain

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It is possible that this is related to a former angle tower, perhaps projecting from the wall line to provide firing angles along the adjacent sections of wall. A semi-circular tower has been suggested.51

However, there is no clear evidence of projecting sections of any side walls. It is likely that the back ‘wall’ could be the result of the blocking of an open-backed tower or even just a recess within the wall thickness accessed from the courtyard within and later repaired.

4.5.5 Facet 5

Although much altered and rebuilt, it appears that Facet 5 was built at the same time as Facet 4 and it forms the southern boundary of the castle. The upper part of the western section is much thinner than the rest and has clearly been rebuilt in modern times; most of the lower, revetment, portion of the wall is original but patched, repaired and re-faced. There are no obvious features of note.

51 See, e.g. verey, 658

4.5.6 Facet 6Facet 6 forms the chamfered south-western boundary of the enceinte and is largely the result of radical repair and rebuilding, particularly in the upper section. It appears to have been built at the same time as Facet 5 to the east. To the west and north it returns on the angled junction with Facet 7 but there is then a very distinct construction break between the masonry of these adjoining facets close to that angle.

4.5.7 Facet 7

Facet 7 forms the southern part of the west curtain wall; immediately to the north is the west wall of the early-13th century Hall Range (Building B) on the same alignment. Unfortunately, the section immediately south of the Hall Range has been rebuilt in fairly recent times so the relationship between the Hall and this section of masonry is unclear.

Most of the rest of the masonry in the wall is similar to that of Facets 1 and 2 and the northern portion of

Illus 21the outer face of the northern end of Facet 3; note distinct

drop in the height of surviving masonry

Illus 22Facet 3, looking north; in the foreground are the remnants of a corner tower, part of Facet 4, the entrance into which

has been infilled

Illus 23the south-western angle of the Curtain Wall (Facet 6) from the

south, with the west wall of the hall range beyond

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Facet 3, suggesting that these are contemporary. Towards the southern end of this section there is a very clear construction break between this quality of masonry and the masonry of the southern facets of the wall (Facets 4–6).

Excavations demonstrated that this construction break marked an earlier south-western corner in the Curtain Wall, which then turned eastwards to butt against the south-western corner of the Keep.

4.5.8 Discussion

The curtain wall has been subject to considerable rebuilding and repairs over the centuries, little of which has been recorded – though it is known that much of the wall had to be repaired in the late-18th century and some sections were evidently restored when the castle was converted into a country house early in the 20th century.

It seems that the north-eastern part of the wall – Facets 1, 2 and the northern part of 3 – and most of the western section, Facet 7 – are of the same phase. Furthermore, it is known through excavation that there was a section of this

phase of wall returning eastwards from the southern end of Facet 7 to butt against the lost Keep. What is not known is the existence and position of earlier timber defences.

The fact that the wall butted against the Keep does not necessarily mean that it post-dated the Keep, as the two were separate structures that could have been contemporary. It is also possible that the Keep was inserted into an existing wall line and was thus a later addition.

None of this helps in dating these sections of curtain wall. On balance, they do appear to pre-date the construction of the late-13th century Gatehouse; the relationship with the west wall of the early-13th century Hall Range is less clear.

If the Hall Range was part of the original irregular enceinte, its west and north walls being on the wall line, the large window in the north gable would have been vulnerable to attack and it also seems that there were similar windows on the west wall as well.

This arrangement would have been appropriate for a fortified manor house but not for a main Royal stronghold. The fact that the Keep was also on the same alignment as the lost earlier section of the southern wall is also odd, unless it was a gatehouse keep such as those at Ludlow or Richmond. However, on this side of the site there could have been an outer bailey – as, indeed, there could have been on the other sides as well.

Later alterations to the wall were needed when the Gatehouse complex was added on the north side. At the south side the Curtain Wall seems to have been taken a little further to the south of the earlier line encountered in excavation, with a new mural tower added on the south-eastern side.

There would have been buildings erected against the inner faces of the curtain walls, though the only obvious evidence that survives is in the north-eastern corner which probably had a two-storey medieval range under a mono-pitched roof; the surviving fireplace, flue and chimney details suggests a very broad late-13th to mid-14th century date.

From the later medieval period onwards the walls appear to have become neglected and many sections were ruinous by the mid-17th century. Large scale repairs were needed by the late-18th century and further rebuilding was undertaken for more aesthetic reasons early in the 20th century when the castle was converted into a large private house.

The moat4.6

The castle is surrounded by a dry moat but was once watered; cattle are shown drinking from it on some

Illus 24the outer face southern end of Facet 7, looking south; note the distinct construction break on the left. this seems to be

the corner of the earlier curtain wall

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early-19th century prints. It was finally drained in about 1863–4 according to an account given by the local vicar; a small pond in the north-western part of the moat – the Castle Pool – was retained.52

It had got into a very poor state by the mid-20th century and was cleared and restored by a local Moat Society in 1961. They created a pleasant green public space of lawn and trees encircling the castle and mainly separated from the surrounding lanes on three sides by a dwarf stone wall of uncertain date – but probably, in part, dating from the late-19th century with early-20th century additions.

The moat is roughly oval in plan and its profiles indicate its former purpose – apart from on the western side where it has been more fully infilled. This side appears to have been colonised for gardens before the rest was drained and presumably served the dwelling within the castle.

52 taprell allen, W, 1878-9, ‘St Briavels Castle’, Transactions of the. Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society, III, 332; the talk was given early in 1879 and he stated that the moat ‘was drained some 15 years ago’.

There are, in this section, remains of garden features such as paths and cold-frames etc. Few other features of note exist within the moat. To the north-east of the castle is a small pond and, in the southern outer wall there is a Jubilee drinking fountain of 1887 set into a stone surround.

This moat was presumably fed by springs and formed a fairly substantial defensive barrier. In its present layout it respects the later phase enceinte of the curtain walls but could, of course, have been extended at the same time as these walls were changed.

Illus 25Part of the north-eastern section of the infilled

moat, with the lily pond of 1961

Illus 26the 1887 Jubilee drinking fountain on the south side of the moat

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arChaeoloGy aND 5. hiStoriC BuilDiNG

reCorDiNG

A number of phases of below ground investigation and recording of the upstanding historic remains of the castle have been undertaken across the site. These are scheduled below. In summary, the area of the castle currently not occupied by standing buildings exhibits evidence for multi-phased buried stone structures relating to the earlier occupation and development of the site.

19th century survey there was an 1879 survey of the castle by taprell allen, vicar of St Briavels.

taprell allen, rev. W, 1878-79, ‘St Briavels Castle’, Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society, iii, 325-367.

1970/72 excavations this comprised two short seasons of excavation led by Curnow and Johnson, where three internal and two external angles of the Keep were excavated. it was found that the Keep was a rectangular building with walls 3m thick above the 2.4m high batter. there was no evidence for buttresses and no masonry found in place above the batter. in the north-east corner, a jamb and a voussoir of an arch dating to 1200 were located although they didn’t appear to be part of keep’s original structure .

Demolished buildings in the north-east corner of the bailey were partially excavated. at least three superimposed sets of footings on different plans were visible and it was thought this was probably the location of a forge utilised in the manufacture of quarrels. The final demolition of buildings in this area of the castle had probably taken place around 1700.

1973 survey of curtain walls this comprised a survey of the castle completed by Curnow & Johnson following clearance of vegetation from the Curtain Wall to allow examination. it concluded there was ‘no evidence for enceinte defences earlier than about 1200, though they must have existed, perhaps in earth and timber’ . the wall abutting the Keep at its south-west corner ‘is not bonded to it and was therefore later in date’. an attempt was made to identify 13th century work resulting in the following suggestions:

the narrow wall running south-east by the south-west corner of the Keep – demolished in 14th century • when the Keep was extended.

the site of the tower • c.1310? on the east side of the castle – the only tower recognisable on the enceinte.

1983 watching brief Site visit by GCCAS during work on moat. No features or deposits were recorded. Note in GSMR 15 file, J. Columbo.

1989 watching brief Nine trenches dug during groundworks associated with electrical upgrades at exterior and interior of castle. a paving slab and wall foundation were observed (Parry, C., 1989).

1994 watching brief this was undertaken as a condition of Scheduled ancient Monument consent during trenching for an electrical service cable running across the backfilled moat. It identified post-medieval fill with some large sandstone blocks thought to be debris from castle. the outer edge of the moat was observed in the trench sections.

1995 excavation Small excavation within gatehouse by Cotswold archaeological trust prior to the extension of the yha washroom produced evidence of the south-east quarter of the late 13th century gatehouse.

1999 dendrochronology survey

eh carried out dendrochronological sampling at the castle, taking samples from ‘28 different oak timbers from the roof of the west gatehouse and a door at the castle. interpretation of the sapwood suggested two phases of felling. the earlier is in the range ad1637-1661, the latter is in the range ad1637-1661.’ .

1997-2000 historic building recording

a seasonal programme was established to record the building fabric including the timber roof of the western gatehouse tower in 1997, the masonry fabric of the western gatehouse tower during renovation in 1998, partial survey and assessment of the solar and chapel areas in 1999 and a full record during conservation work in 2000; as well as an investigation of eastern gatehouse tower, the King’s hall and a partial survey of the Curtain Wall in 1999 .

2001 dendrochronology eh carried out further dendro work at the castle, taking 34 samples from ‘timbers of the Chapel and solar of St Briavels Castle’ for analysis. the result was ‘a single site chronology consisting of twenty-nine samples…spanning the period ad1362-ad1592. interpretation of the sapwood on the dated samples strongly suggests that an extensive single phase programme of alteration works took place in both the Chapel and solar using timber felled in ad1592’ .

2004 watching brief archaeological monitoring was undertaken during sewer system improvements at the castle.

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Illus 27excavation plan

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eColoGy6.

methodology6.1

A search for records of protected species and other species of conservation importance at St Briavels Castle and within a 2km radius of the site was commissioned from Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records.

An ecological assessment of the site was carried out by Hilary Smith and Martin Hales of Wildways on Wednesday 17th February 2010 and included an inspection of the internal roof spaces and oubliette inside the castle (Illus 28).

The following areas/items were assessed/inspected:

Built structures including boundary wall for areas •of interesting wall flora and opportunities for roost sites for bats and birds, nesting sites for birds and hibernation sites for amphibians and reptiles in crevices or holes

The loft spaces and shed for bats and evidence of •roosts by searching for signs of droppings, staining, access holes or animals

Trees for evidence of holes, cracks, crevices which •could be used by bats, and nesting birds

The moat and garden areas, identifying broad •habitat types and potential for protected or species of conservation importance

Records of birds seen during the visit.•

There was a thin layer of snow on the ground during the visit, and it was impossible to conduct a reasonable botanical assessment of the site at this time of year. The Condition Report of 2008 refers to a Botanical Survey in 1992, with no rare plants identified as being present.

Survey results6.2

6.2.1 Wall and stonework habitat

Boundary wallMortared wall in good repair, few holes or crevices. Areas of more diverse flora of mosses and lichens. Few plants of spleenwort, and ivy-leaved toadflax. Small patches of ivy, with larger fruiting plant on wall of main entrance.

Main areas of interest keyed on Illus 28.

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Curtain WallGenerally well maintained and mortared with few crevices or cracks. Appears to have been cleaned, little lichen or moss flora. In “broken down” areas which have been repaired there is growth of red valerian, small amounts of grasses, a few tree seedlings, ivy-leaved toadflax and lichens. (as keyed on Illus 28)

Revetment Wall in MoatThis revetment wall appears to be un-mortared and has many crevices and cracks for wildlife use. It supports a

good moss flora in the shady areas. It is becoming covered by soil and what appears to be clippings from gardening and other maintenance operations.

BuildingsThe castle itself appears to supports very little wall flora of lichens or mosses.

6.2.2 Trees and shrubs

The site contains trees and shrubs of varying age, native and non-native species.

Key

mossy boundary wall

wall with red valerian

dry-stone revetment wall

shrubs

damp area

pond

bat roost sites

potencial bat roost sites

Beech

BeechBirch

Birch

Lime

Oak

SycamoreSycamore

Sycamore

Cherry

Yew Yew

Willow

Willows

Cherries

Cherry

loft

loftloft

chimney

chimney

loft

loft

loft

shed

Illus 28ecology

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The native species, mainly the more mature trees are of greatest conservation importance for invertebrates, birds and mammals. The introduced shrubs in the moat area will provide some food resources for birds and invertebrates, and limited cover for nesting.

Mature trees (Table 1)Where trees have had some tree surgery work done, there is likely to be an increased potential for bat roosts or bird nesting sites. These trees are a significant feature in the centre of the village.

Saplings and ShrubsIn the moat and on the bank there are saplings and younger trees of sycamore, willow, cherry and poplar. The growth of willow saplings in the damper part of the moat is quite dense, probably from the rooting of twigs from the mature tree. Some of the sycamore saplings, self-set from the mature trees are growing quickly and will need management shortly. A variety of ornamental bushes are planted on the bank of the moat some of which are becoming large, and shading out grass beneath. Some of the smaller trees and bushes support a varied growth of lichens.

6.2.3 Grassland

Grassland areas include the central courtyard and picnic area, and most of the moat. The majority of the grass appears to be regularly managed by mowing, with limited species diversity. Lesser celandine, creeping buttercup and speedwell were noted, but conditions and timing of survey were not conducive to botanical assessment. The moat area was “landscaped” and re-turfed by the Historic Moat Society in 1961.

6.2.4 Wetland

An ornamental pond is located on the north-eastern side of the moat. This appears to be of limited value for native

wildlife, with tightly managed surrounding grassland, stone sides and the presence of goldfish. However, this was not the best time of year to assess it.

A damper area of moat was identified on the south-western side of the castle. Pendulous sedge is common here, some of which appears to be spreading into other areas of the moat. The large willow is situated here, with associated saplings, and the area appears to be used as a general dumping ground for garden waste, grass clippings and rubble. There is a ground cover of ivy, bramble, with figwort and willow herb. Together with the mossy revetment wall, this area could provide a good habitat for amphibians and reptiles if they are in the area.

6.2.5 Species

BatsThe data search revealed the presence of a long-eared bat roost at the castle in 2005. A large quantity of fresh and old droppings and 12 bats were seen. The report stated that the roost had only been present for 3 years. However, the Condition Report 2008 quoted that a bat roost of 20 brown long-eared bats was identified in 1999.

An inspection was made of all the loft areas, the oubliette and shed for evidence of bat use, and an assessment was made of the buildings and trees for potential roost sites.

Eastern Gatehouse Loft: The bat roost (assumed to be that noted in 2005) was found in the eastern loft of the castle, accessed through a locked hatch in a dormitory. There were large quantities of droppings, including some fresher looking droppings of a size typical of a long-eared bat in the loft. There was staining on some of the underfelt which is of black bitumen type, indicating likely access into the loft under the ridge. There were one or two other possible access sites notes through small holes at eaves. No bats were seen.

Tree Location Comment

Common lime By the boundary wall –

oak –

Beech –

Sycamore x 4 Close together, some tree surgery work done.

Sycamore x 1 Covered with dense cover of ivy, potential bat/bird nest use

Willow Dense ivy cover, potential bat roost/bird nest site

Beech inner courtyard Small amount of ivy, crevices, potential bat roost/bird nest site. Some tree surgery work done

yew –

Birch x 2 ivy on trunk

Table 1Tree species identified on site

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Western Gatehouse loft: Accessed through door at top of tower stairs, had been lined with more recent white Tyvek type material. Only a small number of old bat droppings were found, of size typical of lesser horseshoe and long-eared bats. There were quite a lot of cobwebs, some small access holes in the roof but no evidence of a frequently used bat roost.

Southern Loft: The loft space over the lounge at the south end of the castle could not be accessed fully, but a reasonable inspection could be made from the top of the ladder. This loft is insulated, the roof is painted white, with lathes visible in places, and the lower areas lined with white ‘Tyvek’ type material. It was very dusty, there were some possible access holes through roof, but no bat droppings could be seen.

Oubliette (B1): There did not appear to be any direct access into this space from outside, no draughts could be felt which would be expected on a cold day, and no evidence of bats seen from a limited inspection from floor level.

Shed (F1): A relatively recent bat dropping, typical of a lesser horseshoe bat dropping was found in the storage shed.

Other potential roost sites: Although the castle walls have been well-maintained and pointed there are some potential bat roost sites. The stone roofs provide plenty of crevices and cracks, even if bats cannot access the loft spaces. There are some large holes in the walls, giving access to the interior of the thick walls which could be used for roosting, particularly hibernation. There are also gaps under some lead flashing. The old chimney in the Curtain Wall was inspected, but no evidence found. Main potential roost sites are marked on the plan. It must be noted that areas not marked cannot be assumed to be without bat roosts.

This area of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is known to be a good habitat for a wide variety of bats, even though only four other records were found for a 2km radius. Bats will fly much greater distances.

The mature trees and sheltered nature of the site will provide good foraging habitat for bats, and more detailed activity surveys through summer would highlight species and use of St Briavels Castle more accurately.

6.2.6 Other mammals

No signs of badgers were seen. There was evidence of rabbits and a stash of chewed cherry stones, indicating either wood mice or bank voles.

Mammals recorded within 2km were badger, otter and dormice.

6.2.7 Birds

Birds recorded during survey, and location are shown on Table 2.

It was noted that there appeared to be no nests of house martins or swallows at St Briavels Castle. There are also some suitable nest sites for swifts, but these would not be visible from external inspection at this time of year.

There are some nesting sites in trees, bushes and possibly walls, but there will also be quite of lot of disturbance over much of the site by people.

Other records for birds within a 2km radius were buzzard, curlew, sparrowhawk, chiff-chaff, nuthatch, treecreeper.

6.2.8 Amphibians and reptiles

There are records of common frog, common toad, great crested newt, smooth newt, slow-worm, grass snake,

Species Comment

Blackbird Turdus merula –

Blue tit Parus caeruleus –

Carrion Crow Corvus corone 5 pairs in birch and beech trees in inner yard

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Flock with other finches

Collared doves Streptopelia decaocto Pair in beech tree

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 15+ in cherry, birch in N. moat

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris With goldfinch

house sparrow Passer domesticus –

robin Erithacus rubecula –

Siskin Carduelis spinus 2 with finches

Table 2Birds recorded during survey, and location

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adder and viviparous lizard within 2km of St Briavels Castle. The habitat within the castle grounds is not suitable for adder. It is also surrounded by roads and a sound wall, except for small entrance gates which would restrict migration into the site. However, although the pond is not an ideal breeding site there is suitable foraging habitat for frogs, toads, newts and slow-worms and it is possible that they would be found here.

6.2.9 Invertebrates

There are large numbers and varieties of moths and other invertebrates, and many notable species within 2km of St Briavels.

Summary of existing nature 6.3 conservation features and concerns

Long-eared bat roost in eastern gatehouse loft •space of Castle. Other potential roost sites in shed, castle and walls.

Mature trees with bat roost and bird nest potential•

Wall flora of mosses, lichens on walls, especially •boundary wall.

Damp area and dry-stone revetment wall provide •habitat variety.

Management of walls and stonework•

Roof repairs and insulation•

Tree management•

Potential of habitat enhancements – • e.g. native shrub/tree planting, erecting bird boxes for swallows on buildings, an owl box in tree, loft improvements for bats, management of damp area, pond enhancement.

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SiGNiFiCaNCe, value aND 7. PoliCieS

The assessment of value of a heritage asset is encompassed within perceptions of that asset, its relative importance (through designation) and its use. Its designation as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I listed building places the asset at a National level of importance. Many of the values now recognised as contributing towards the significance of a heritage asset are not incorporated into its designation and need to be considered alongside this. The site falls under the guardianship of English Heritage and is held under a lease by the Youth Hostel Association. For any forward planning to work it will require the co-operation of both parties. The following values provide the benchmark against which conservation policies and management plans are set.

evidential value7.1

7.1.1 Material value – Physical

a. The standing structuresOn the basis of the documentary survey and assessment of the buildings undertaken whilst assembling this plan it is clear that within the standing remains of the castle there are surviving elements dating from the early 13th century through to its modern day use. From these it is possible to gain some understanding as to the status (relatively high) and evolution of occupation within the castle. A good example is the surviving evidence for the migration of the main hall accommodation from the establishment of a stone-built structure around 1200ad (possibly superseding earlier timber buildings or the Norman keep), into a first floor hall in the new gatehouse complex roughly a century later.

The structures also provide good indications for periods of disuse and decay, in some cases followed by reconstruction and repair. The use of the gatehouse as a prison and the Chapel as a court from the 17th–19th centuries is physically underlined through evidence from prisoners’ graffiti and the status of the court house roof on the Chapel building converted for that purpose. It is also embodied by repairs to the jury room roof above ‘King John’s Bedchamber’. The oubliette chamber in the east gatehouse tower could illustrate an earlier but similar use for the building.

The conversion to a residence in the 19th century and the aims and aspirations of the new occupants are in part demonstrated by the introduction of medieval-type work such as fireplaces in the gatehouse. A great deal of evidence survives for alterations and restorations made during this phase as well as the introduction of new staircases and a new circulation to the building.

The last half century or so has seen the building enjoy a

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slightly more communal life with its occupancy by the Youth Hostel Association. The 19th century residence has been adapted in a much more reversible way for this current use.

Had the early structures only survived as a ruin – then the castle would have still retained a status of national significance. Its continued occupation, and the repairs and restoration that go with it, has meant that there is not only a significant survival of early fabric, but also over 800 years of evidence for continued use in most part respecting the former layout and function of the building. As such the standing remains may be viewed as retaining a very high degree of material value.

b. Buried remains – archaeologySporadic research and investigation over a period of about 150 years indicates that there is a high degree of survival of below ground remains both inside and outside the Curtain Wall. The artificial filling of the moat and continued presence of a spring within the feature are likely to provide a good environment for the survival of earlier deposits and a potential for survival of organic remains. Within the enceinte it has been clearly demonstrated that evidence for the earliest Norman stone buildings including the Keep and an earlier curtain wall alignment survive, as well as multiple phases of buildings occupied up to about 1700ad in the northeast corner of the enclosure.

It is clear from many of the observations made to date that any ground disturbance tends to yield information about the castle’s past. The locations of associated collections was not identified and robustness of site archives relating to the work could therefore not be assessed.

However, it is clear that buried remains within the site have a very high material value.

7.1.2 Documentary valueThe survey identified a substantial quantity of documentary material relating to the castle, some of which dates back to the medieval period. There is also a good degree of correlation between this evidence and the physical evidence embodied by the standing remains and archaeology (e.g. dates for reroofing), alongside evidence for repair work which no longer survives on the site.

There are also more recent but no less valuable records for the site held in the National Monuments Record at Swindon including:

Photogrammetric survey (Illus 29) •

Historic photographs•

Mechanical and electrical survey drawings for the •whole castle

Repair schedules and drawings•

Plans of archaeological work•

Interpretation drawings.•

Therefore the documents that survive for the building not only assist in yielding evidence about its past, but are also well placed to provide information for planning for its future.

There is therefore a high material value to documentary collections relating to the heritage asset.

7.1.3 Ecological value

The site contains a range of environments that are suitable for a variety of flora and fauna. Most of these environments have been either modified or artificially

Illus 29Photogrametric elevation of part of the Curtain Wall

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created by human interaction. Therefore in the first instance they are also part of the historic narrative of the heritage asset. A key theme in the eastern half of the moat is the informal management of that area by a local community group which has resulted in the introduction of plants and construction of garden-type features within this area. This is by contrast to the western arm of the moat which contains many features relating to the use of this area as a garden in the late 19th century.

Current survey results have not identified any highly significant flora within the area. However, roof spaces and buildings within the grounds of the castle have provided evidence for the presence of bat roosts. This therefore provides a degree of ecological value to the asset.

There is also potential within the site to enhance its ecological value.

7.1.4 Evidential policies

Policy E1 – Protecting the historic fabricAny proposals for alterations or new elements will be discussed with English Heritage and the Local Planning Authority.

Policy E2 – Assessing proposals Proposals affecting the heritage asset take account of the significance and value of elements that they affect, and set these alongside the benefits of any such proposals.

Policy E3 – Recording changeDetailed records will be made of any alterations or repairs to the structures forming the heritage asset or ground disturbances within it and a copy of these will be deposited with the National Monuments Record at Swindon.

Policy E4 – Identifying decayEnglish Heritage should continue to ensure that defects surveys are undertaken, ideally on a five yearly cycle (the next in 2013), and the results of these communicated to the building’s department of the Youth Hostel Association, and any survey commissioned should check against existing information to avoid duplication and minimise costs.

Policy E5 – Conserving the assetEnglish Heritage should draw up a schedule of repairs and identify available resources alongside the Youth Hostel Association for the implementation of these.

Policy E6 – Reducing damageThat twice a year during summer months the vegetation taking hold on the Curtain Wall is monitored and that saplings such as sycamore or other plants that might result in damage to the monument are treated as soon as they are identified.

Policy E7 – Assessing the buried assetThat any work proposed to be undertaken on the standing fabric or within the grounds of the asset is preceded by an

assessment or evaluation of the impact of such work on the values and significance of those elements affected.

Policy E8 – Ecological enhancementEnglish Heritage and the Youth Hostel association will consider opportunities and methods for enhancing the biodiversity of the site.

Policy E9 – Assessing the impact of ecological enhancementAny programme of enhancement of biodiversity will weigh up the value of the heritage asset and its future management against the perceived value of any such enhancement before implementing it.

Policy E10 – Managing batsThe management and maintenance of areas containing bat roosts will be taken into account when planning future repairs or enhancements. Consideration should be given over the potential benefits to restricting access to potential bat roost sites over the constraints that these might put on future conservation needs within the asset.

Policy E11 – Documenting lossAny work undertaken on the standing fabric or within the grounds of the asset is complimented by a scheme of recording and analysis where such work might result in the loss of historically significant information.

Policy E12 – Enhancing the recordWhere opportunities arise then research into elements of the archaeological and historic resource be encouraged; and as far as practical supported.

historical value7.2

7.2.1 Historical connections

There is a strong local/regional connection through the fact that the castle acted as administrative centre for the Forest of Dean in the medieval period. This central function was reaffirmed in the 17th century with its use as a court and prison.

Otherwise its strongest association is with King John who visited the site on a number of occasions in the early 13th century and whose name is currently attributed to the solar part of the medieval hall range.

7.2.2 Illustrative

Despite the castle’s picturesque quality it has received relatively little attention from artists over the centuries in comparison to sites such as Goodrich and Kenilworth. In many respects this is probably because it lacks the romance of the ruin that these other sites exhibit, and which was certainly a magnet for 19th century artists.

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Its value in this respect is very much the immediate readability of the asset as a castle. This is partly assisted by its completeness, but also by features such as the portcullis slots in the entrance and the well-defined moat and continuous circuit of the stone curtain wall ruin.

7.2.3 Unique features

There are three features that are commonly identified on this asset and may be defined as specific characteristics relating to the site.

The number of portcullises in the gatehouse •passage and the fact that as a gatehouse-keep the 1292 structure is relatively late with respect to other sites of similar build.

The huntsman’s chimney stack•

The ornate medieval fireplace in King John’s •bedchamber.

The latter two of these have been moved from other parts of the castle. However, the fact that these features have been identified with the asset in the past raises the value of the asset in this respect.

7.2.4 Associations

Most objects associated with the building are still retained within its curtilage. Within the scope of this work we have not identified any archives relating to previous excavations.

7.2.5 Continuity or reaffirmation of original use

The asset has not enjoyed the same use throughout its long history. However, the current standing remains have been occupied almost continually since 1200. It might be viewed that as a Youth Hostel and centre for locals walking in the area or visiting the Forest of Dean it still has a central function with respect to the area, albeit with respect to leisure activities in the area. This does add value to the asset, not least because it is still owned by the Crown Estates.

7.2.6 Historical policies

Policy H1 – Preserving unique historic featuresEnsure that those features that are unique to the site are conserved.

Policy H2 – Preserving fabric with historic connectionsEnsure that King John’s bedchamber is maintained.

Policy H2 – Identification of unknown historic connectionsIdentify new historic connections or unique features or associated artefact.

Aesthetic value7.3

7.3.1 Sensory/intellectual stimulation

There are a number of stakeholders that currently benefit from the asset in a way that adds to this value. Certainly the Youth Hostel staff working there, or in relation to the property, understand and seek to further their understanding of its history. This is in part driven by the second stake-holder group, visitors to the Youth Hostel. It is important to distinguish between these as opposed to members of the public that stroll in to the site. Many groups of visitors to the site are catered for in terms of an educational experience – particularly groups of young people. Other visitors have access to documentation currently available about the site. There are also some interpretation signs. There is also the sensory experience of visitors actually being able to stay in the place – illustrated by the excitement of groups of young people when they first come through the entrance passage on arrival

The site has value in this respect – there are opportunities to increase this value.

7.3.2 Design

The structure is large and easily interpretable. Its internal circulation is complex, but as such adds to the experience of the asset. It contains many spaces that serve a wide variety of functions. It has many features both internally and externally that are instantly recognisable as historic. Overall its design and layout add to its heritage value.

7.3.3 Aesthetic policies

Policy A1 – Promoting understanding and appreciationThat English Heritage and the Youth Hostel Association (or their successors) will endeavour to promote and develop as wide an understanding and appreciation of St Briavels Castle as they can.

Policy A2 – Maintaining integrity during changeAny proposals for alterations or new elements will be discussed with English Heritage and the Local Planning Authority.

Policy A3 – Ensuring quality workmanshipOnly appropriately qualified and experienced contractors should undertake work on the heritage asset under proper supervision and instruction.

communal value7.4

7.4.1 Community and public involvement

A clear link exists between local people and the castle since when, in 1961, a Moat Society was set up to care

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recognition under any new designation that might arise from the Heritage Reform Bill

Policy C6 – Adhering to relevant health and safety legislationHealth and Safety issues relating to the heritage asset will be monitored and prioritised where necessary in any maintenance schedules.

Policy C7 – Maintaining community involvementEnglish Heritage and the Youth Hostel Association will continue to support the Moat Society in maintaining the part of the moat currently under their care.

Policy C8 – Encourage public accessEnglish Heritage and the Youth Hostel Association will actively seek to encourage public access to the site where this does not compromise current site operation or security.

Policy C9 – Enhance educational useEnglish Heritage and the Youth Hostel Association will consider areas where they can pool resources for the use of the asset as an educational tool. This to include the production of site literature and potential for jointly run educational events.

Policy C10 – Increase connections with local schoolsThe Youth Hostel Association to continue to work with local schools and to seek ways in which more opportunities can be made at quieter times of year for schools to visit though actively promoting the site (possibly in association with English Heritage).

Policy C11 – Display and interpretationEnglish Heritage should review the siting and number of display panels as well as the adequacy of site interpretation literature available through the site and other Tourist Information outlets. Future literature should accommodate the communal values of the site included in the plan above.

Policy C12 – Other usesEnglish Heritage and the Youth Hostel Association should consider the potential of the site as a conference centre either for internal training purposes or wider academic and heritage-based day or residential schools.

Policy C13 – Controlling unauthorised accessThe security of the site will be monitored and maintained at least once a year.

Policy C14 – Raising stakeholders awarenessThat the profile of the site is raised within organisations that are involved in its promotion, maintenance and management.

for what was then an overgrown piece of semi-wasteland. Currently there are about 10–12 active volunteers still tending the area although reputedly there is apparently a greater passive interest in seeing that the area is looked after.

There are visits by school parties from schools in Gloucestershire and surrounding counties catered for through the Youth Hostel Association staff and the facilities in the building. Youth groups use the property for residential stays focusing particularly on summer months. With both these groups history trails form quite a degree of focus.

The site also lies on the route of the Lands End – John O’Groats walk and therefore retains a degree of national communal significance.

There is provision in the lease that the YHA provides a public guided tour on fifteen Friday afternoons between Easter and the end of the school holidays and that this is advertised by English Heritage.

Relative to other sites St Briavels Castle has a high communal value and there is still further potential for opportunities to expand this.

7.4.2 Communal policies

Policy C1 – Continued occupancyThat the asset should continue to be maintained as an occupied building.

Policy C2 – Collaboration between English Heritage and the YHAEnglish Heritage and the Youth Hostel Association will work together to identify methods by which loss of income to the Youth Hostel Association can be offset through other initiatives during routine maintenance and repair that might require the closure of parts of the castle.

Policy C3 – Develop new usesThat English Heritage and the Youth Hostel Association (or their successors) will work together to develop existing and new uses for the property.

Policy C4 – Develop awareness within English Heritage/YHAThat relevant departments within English Heritage are kept aware of the nature and potential of the site, and that the Youth Hostel Association continues to make its staff aware of the site.

Policy C5 – Adhering to relevant heritage legislationAll works undertaken on St Briavels Castle will be done with due regard to legislation relating to planning, listed buildings and scheduled monuments. This will include

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SuMMary liSt oF 8. PoliCieS

evidential8.1 Policy E1 – Protecting the historic fabric•Policy E2 – Assessing proposals •Policy E3 – Recording change•Policy E4 – Identifying decay•Policy E5 – Conserving the asset•Policy E6 – Reducing damage•Policy E7 – Assessing the buried asset•Policy E8 – Ecological enhancement•Policy E9 – Assessing the impact of ecological •enhancementPolicy E10 – Managing bats•Policy E11 – Documenting loss•Policy E12 – Enhancing the record•

historical8.2 Policy H1 – Preserving unique historic features•Policy H2 – Preserving fabric with historic •connectionsPolicy H2 – Identification of unknown historic •connections

Aesthetic8.3 Policy A1 – Promoting understanding and •appreciationPolicy A2 – Maintaining integrity during change•Policy A3 – Ensuring quality workmanship•

communal8.4 Policy C1 Continued occupancy•Policy C2 – Collaboration between English •Heritage and the YHAPolicy C3 – Develop new uses•Policy C4 – Develop awareness within English •Heritage/YHAPolicy C5 – Adhering to relevant heritage •legislationPolicy C6 – Adhering to relevant health and •safety legislationPolicy C7 – Maintaining community •involvementPolicy C8 – Encourage public access•Policy C9 – Enhance educational use•Policy C10 – Increase connections with local •schoolsPolicy C11 – Display and interpretation•Policy C12 – Other uses•Policy C13 – Controlling unauthorised access•Policy C14 – Raising stakeholders awareness•

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reCoMMeNDatioNS9.

Circulation1. That this plan be circulated in draft to all the consultees for comment.

Liaison between English 2. Heritage and Youth Hostel Association

That in line with the Local Management Agreement both organisations review and draw up a plan for implementation of the maintenance and management policies. The names of those responsible for undertaking this must be clearly communicated between the organisations.

Public promotion of the site3. That English Heritage and the Youth Hostel Association draw up a joint initiative to promote the site and provide interpretation in the form of leaflets and possibly a guide book/education pack.

Opportunities for extending 4. the use of the property

That English Heritage consider possibilities for the use of the site as a potential venue for professional conferences and discuss any such opportunities with the Youth Hostel Association.

Moat Society5. English Heritage are to provide some degree of clarity as to what types of planting may or may not be acceptable within the area of the moat. Also some consideration as to the generation of a wild flower area within the moat which would involve liaison between the contractor cutting the grass and the moat society.

Future treatment of window 6. reveals

A key area of concern to date has been the effect of damp around window reveals. This is not so much an issue where the reveals are not painted or plastered. Paint or plaster around the reveals could act as a conduit for moisture to penetrate further into rooms. Professional opinion should be sought relating to the potential benefits of not replacing plaster in window reveals when it needs attention with a view to creating a buffer for moisture ingression. The plaster on the window reveals in room F2 (the Prison Dormitory) is of national significance and requires conservation advice.

Seek conservation advice 7. relating to the state of the graffiti in room F2

–

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10. reFereNCeSAndrews, C. Bruyn (ed.), 1934, The Torrington Diaries, Vol.

I.Anon, 1860, The Gentleman’s Magazine, Part II.Attwater, D., 1965, The Penguin Dictionary of Saints.

Bateman, C., 1995, St Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire. Archaeological Excavaton. CAT MS. Unpublished client report.

Barrett, R., 2004, Archaeological Watching Brief and Excavation at St Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire for English Heritage. Gloucester: Gloucestershire County Council. Unpublished client report.

Cathcart King, D.J., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum: An Index and Bibilography of the Castles in England, Wales and the Islands, Volume 1: Anglesey – Montgomery. London: Kraus International Publications.

Clutterbuck, R., 1994, St Briavels Castle: A Handbook for Teachers. London: English Heritage.

Colvin, H.M. (ed.), 1963, The History of the King’s Works, Volume II, The Middle Ages. London: HMSO.

Curnow, P.E. & Johnson, E.A., 1985, ‘St Briavels Castle’, Chateau Gaillard 12, 91-114.

Currie, C.R.J. & Herbert, N.M. (eds.), 1996, A History of the County of Gloucester, Volume 5 - Bledisloe Hundred, St Briavels Hundred, The Forest of Dean. Oxford: Oxford University Press (Series: The Victoria County History of the Counties of England).

Darby, H.C. & Terrett, I.B. (eds.), 1954, The Domesday Geography of Midland England.

Department of the Environment, (various dates), ‘St Briavels Castle and Curtain Wall’ List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest District of the Forest of Dean Gloucestershire (Parishes of Alvington, Aylburton, Hewelsfield, St Briavels, Tidenham, Woolaston and the Town of Lydney). [EH Greenback].

Doubleday, H.A., Warrand, D. & de Walden, H. (eds.), The Complete Peerage, Vol. VI.

Ekwall, E., 1970, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names.

Fielding, T.H., 1825, British Castles.

Goult, D., 1994, Archaeological Watching Brief at St Briavels Castle. GCCAS MS. Unpublished client report.

Hart, C.E., 1948, The History of St Briavels Castle. Paper read to the Forest of Dean Historical Association on 2 October 1948. [Gloucestershire Archives D3921/III/26]

Howard, R., Laton, R. & Litton, C., 1999, Tree-ring Analysis of Timbers from St Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire. EH, MS, Unpublished client report.

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Howard, R., Laxton, R. & Litton, C., 2001, Tree-ring Analysis of Timbers from the Solar and Chapel, St Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire. EH MS, Unpublished client report.

Hunt, A.T., (no date), St Briavels, Gloucestershire. unpublished manuscript. [copy held at Gloucester City Museum].

Lias, A., 1991, Place Names of the Welsh Borderlands.

Mosley, C. (ed.), 2007, The Complete Peerage, I.

Nenk, B.S., Margeson, S. & Hurley, M. (no date), ‘Medieval Britain and Ireland in 1994’, Journal of the Society for Medieval Archaeology 39, 180-293

Newman, J., 2000, The Buildings of Wales: Gwent/Monmouthshire.

Pidgeon, J., 2001, Draft Publication Report 2002-3, St Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire. MS, Unpublished client report.

Pounds, N.J.G., 1994, The Medieval Castles of England and Wales.

Rees, W., (ed.), 1975, Calendar of Ancient Petitions Relating to Wales.

Remfry, P.M., 1994, St Briavels Castle, 1066 to 1331. Worcester: SCS Publishing.

Rudge, T., 1803, The History of Gloucestershire, Vol. II

Salzman, L.F., 1992, Building in England Down to 1540.Storer, J., 1808, The Antiquarian and Topographical Cabinet.

Taprell Allen, W., 1878-9, ‘St Briavels Castle’, Transactions of the Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society, III.

Taprell Allen, W., 1882-3, ‘St Briavels Castle’, Transactions of the. Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society, VII.

VCH, GloucestershireVerey, D., 1970, The Buildings of England: Gloucestershire: The

Vale & The Forest of Dean.Verey, D. & Brooks, A., 2002, Gloucestershire 2: The Vale

and Forest of Dean. London: Yale University Press. (Series: Pevsner Architectural Guides - Buildings of England).

Williams, A., & Martin, G.H., 2002, Domesday Book: A Complete Translation.

Woolnoth, W., 1825, The Ancient Castles of England and Wales, Vol.II

10.1 other Key Sources

Gloucestershire ArchivesPhotocopy 501, St Briavels, etc. (17th c.). [No title] map

of parish of St Briavels, part of Newland, Hewelsfield and Woolaston. 8.8 inches: 1 mile. [missing – original in Ipswich and East Suffolk Record Office]

Photocopy 412/5, West Dean and St Briavels (1804). Plan of Estates in the Parishes of Newland and St Briavels ... belonging to the Crown. 20 inches: 1 mile [original in Public Record Office (PRO) F17/165 (National Archives)]

GDR/T1/153 (PC1812/100 map [copyright Geoff Gwatkin, 1993) and TRS 224/153 apportionment [transcribed by Heather Cole, no date]), St Briavels tithe map and apportionment (1840). St Briavels, 1842. 3 chains:1 inch [scale of A1 sheet is 6ins:1mile].

P278/MI/17 – video on reclamation of the moat

Maps1881, Ordnance Survey, St Briavels Parish, Gloucestershire

(Western Division)’, Sheet XLVI (1879), 1:2500.1902, Ordnance Survey, Gloucestershire, Sheet XLVI.3

(1879), 1:2500.1921, Ordnance Survey, Gloucestershire, Sheet XLVI.3

(1879), 1:2500.

List of consulteesTom Course, English Heritage – Events, 0117 975 0731Neil Parry, English Heritage – Hospitality, 02079 733 675Harriet Attwood, English Heritage – Education, 0117 975

0729Mark Badger, English Heritage – Site staff/visitor

operations, 07795 120 586Justin Ayton English Heritage – Inspector of Ancient

Monuments, 0117 975 0687Gary Stone English Heritage – Health and Safety Officer

07778669485Tony Rees, English Heritage – Marketing, 0117 975 0716Ed Wilson, Environment Agency – Archaeologist, 0121

708 4625Laura Jones, Moat society – Secretary, 01594 530 024Sarah Lunt, English Heritage – Curators of collections

relating to the siteHeather Sabire, English Heritage – Property Curator, 0117

975 1302Simon Brista, Youth Hostel Association – Regional manager

01629 592 579Elizabeth Allison, English Heritage – Estates surveyor, 0117

975 0709Phil Miles ,YHA – Head of Asset Management, 07739 085

678Paul Sapwell, YHA – Area Operations manager, 07852 979

012Fizz Forsey, YHA – Hostel Manager, 01594 530 272Paul Cook, YHA – Buildings Manager, 07980 868 452

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11. GaZetteer

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11.1 The Buildings

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Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

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Building A The Gatehouse

HistoryThe Gatehouse is known from accounts to have been built on the orders of Edward I between 1292–3 – which seems a remarkably short period – and at a cost of £477. It was refurbished in the 17th century when it served as a prison and has had later alterations in the 19th and 20th centuries.

DescriptionIt is a well-preserved and remarkably well-designed and built structure which, even more than the Hall Range – which it was built against – seems out of scale with the size of the castle.

Built of well-coursed masonry the towers rise from battered plinths with triangular spurs – a motif used in other castles in the southern Marches, such as Goodrich and Chepstow – the Gatehouse faces north, towards the church, and consists of a pair of three-storey elongated ‘D-shaped’ towers (Building A2 and A3) flanking a remarkably well-defended gate-passage (Building A1).

The gate-passage can be defended at both ends and has a intermediate defensive portcullis position as well. It could also be covered from the rooms that flanked it through primary loops.

The accommodation was generous and included well lit and heated chambers in the towers, other rooms, including a first-floor hall in the south-eastern corner, spiral stairs, garderobes, and vaulted passages.

Much of the original fabric survives but many of the loops have been widened and converted into windows and the internal spaces have been subject to modernisation and change over the centuries.

SignificanceNationally important

DesignationScheduled Ancient Monument, Grade I listed building.

Management issuesOver all it is important to maintain the building in a way that it can continue to be occupied.

SourcesNone

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Building B The Hall Range

HistoryThe Hall Range is the oldest standing building on the site, though it has been considerably altered. It appears to have been built around 1200 to accommodate a first-floor hall over a fairly tall undercroft.

DescriptionIt is a rectangular two-storey block built to the north-west of the motte. Built of rubblestone it had stepped and weathered clasping buttresses on the inner, south-eastern corner; these may have been repeated on the north-eastern corner but the evidence is not now visible. Evidence of the remains of a corbel table on the east side of the range suggests that it was topped by a slightly corbelled-out battlemented parapet.

The surviving cross-wall towards the southern end of the block could conveniently have separated the main body of the Hall from an integral solar or service range, although the visible evidence on the first floor seems to suggest that this is secondary and, at the northern side, cuts into an earlier reveal.

This is probably misleading and the cross-wall looks more convincing on the ground floor. A cross-wall in this position would make the suggested original layout of the range fairly straightforward. It is possible that the present first-floor doorway into the later Chapel was the original external entrance into the first-floor hall, reached up a flight of external steps from the courtyard.

The ‘solar’ section was re-roofed early in the 17th century and survived far better than the Hall section which had become ruinous by the later-18th century. That section was completely rebuilt around 1900, and needed a new front, or west, wall as well as, more recently, a monopitched roof.




SourcesNone

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Building C The Chapel

HistoryThe stone phase of this building was constructed c.1300. It was re-roofed and re-modelled early in the 17th century, when stone mullioned windows were added on the first floor. It was altered again as part of the c.1900 changes.

DescriptionThe Chapel Range is a stone-built and much altered two-storey rectangular structure built at right-angles against the southern part of the east wall of the earlier Hall Range (Building B). It is built mainly of roughly coursed sandstone rubble with longer stones as quoins at the eastern corners.

Evidently the first-floor space was the more important, in line with the existence of a first-floor hall in the Hall Range. Evidence shows that the roof was once slightly higher and more steeply pitched and that there has been a rather grand east window.

If it was a chapel, there was presumably an altar at the east end beneath the once decorative three-light window, and the piscina in the south wall would have been in the most logical position to serve the celebrant.




SourcesNone

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Building D The Keep and Motte

HistoryThis was evidently a substantial structure and one that was presumably once the focal point of the castle. As the defensive heart of the site it was replaced by the Gatehouse complex at the end of the 13th century, become neglected by the late-medieval period, and ruinous by the 17th century; it partly collapsed and was then pulled down in the 18th century.

With little of it surviving above ground it is difficult to be confident about its dating or design. It was presumably Norman and probably of the 12th century in date; an obvious parallel would be the surviving 12th-century keep at Goodrich Castle, a few miles upstream in the Wye valley.

DescriptionThe fragmentary ruins of the Keep lie on the now largely landscaped area of the motte in the southern end of the site. Above ground, these consist solely of mortared amorphous lumps of masonry, but there is nothing else above ground level.

Excavations in the recent past exposed part of the corner of the footings of the Keep, which on that evidence was both large and well-built – fitting the traditions of the 100 foot high keep and its lower towers. It was approximately 18m/59ft long (west-east) and 14m/46ft wide with walls up to 2.5m/8ft thick. There was a spiral stair in the south-western angle of the structure and the section of lost curtain wall from the south-western corner of the enclosure butted against the southern end of its west wall.

SignificanceNational

It has landscape value as it retains earthwork elements relating to the form of the original motte, historically it may be the site of the original timber castle, its later history is moderately well documented and there may be archaeological collections and archives (although none stored with English Heritage).

DesignationScheduled Ancient Monument

Management issuesUpstanding masonry chunks are ‘generally sound but with hollow upper surfaces which are accumulating humus and vegetation’. The 2008 condition survey recommends ‘clean out debris and weather with mortar’.

SourcesPlans of excavations – NMR Defects Survey 2008

C

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Moat 3

Moat 4A2 A3

A1

B1

B2F1F2

facet 1

facet 2

facet 3

facet 4

facet 5

facet 6

facet 7

facet 8

Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

0 50mN

55


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Building E1 The Curtain Wall

DescriptionThe castle buildings are set within a polygonal stone curtain wall which has been subjected to considerable rebuilding and change but still defines the perimeter of the site and its relationship with the village.

HistoryThe irregular course of the wall can be broken down into seven main separate facets mainly dating in origin to the 13th century but much repaired and altered subsequently – particularly in the 19th and early-20th centuries.


It has landscape value as it is a visible element from all approaches to the castle.


Management issuesA detailed schedule of issues requiring attention is laid down in the 2008 English Heritage Condition Report. The following groups and summaries the issues and recommendations identified.

Vegetation attached to the structure should be killed off followed by localised repointing. In the case of larger voids or missing stones then the voids should be raked out, blocked up (or stones replaced) and repointed. Open joints, cracks, and areas of poor, smeared or loose pointing should be repointed. Re-bed, repoint and re-flaunch loose copings.

Currently all walls appear to be high enough internally to prevent fall, and externally to inhibit easy access through scaling.

Condition of walls should be monitored annually and a plan drawn up to deal with vegetation before it causes further damage requiring further remedial action.

SourcesDefects Survey 2008 – Asset 548-009

C

D

E2

E Moat 1

Moat 2

Moat 3

Moat 4A2 A3

A1

B1

B2F1F2

facet 1

facet 2

facet 3

facet 4

facet 5

facet 6

facet 7

facet 8

Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

0 50mN

56

Building E2 Buildings in NE corner of enceinte

DescriptionBuried remains that once stood against the north-east internal angle of the Curtain Wall.

There is clear evidence of buildings built against the inner face of the Curtain Wall in the north-eastern corner of the enceinte and at least one tower projecting outwards from its south-eastern corner.

C

D

E2

E Moat 1

Moat 2

Moat 3

Moat 4A2 A3

A1

B1

B2F1F2

facet 1

facet 2

facet 3

facet 4

facet 5

facet 6

facet 7

facet 8

Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

0 50mN

57


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Building F1 (Room G29) Storage Shed

HistoryLate 20th century building located against the south side of the Chapel (Building C).

DescriptionA modern construction used for storing equipment.

SignificanceThe structure does not have any historic significance. It has, however, been identified as a bat roost and therefore it has ecological significance.


Protected species

Management issuesAwareness of the ecological issues amongst staff and decision makers. Any replacement structure would need to consider below-ground archaeology.

SourcesEcological report – as part of this report.

C

D

E2

E Moat 1

Moat 2

Moat 3

Moat 4A2 A3

A1

B1

B2F1F2

facet 1

facet 2

facet 3

facet 4

facet 5

facet 6

facet 7

facet 8

Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

0 50mN

58

Building F2 (Room G30) Wooden Shed

HistoryA modern freestanding garden shed.

DescriptionWooden garden shed.

SignificanceThe structure is not of historic significance.

DesignationScheduled Ancient Monument, Grade I listed building (curtilage).

Management issuesBelow ground archaeology.

SourcesNone

C

D

E2

E Moat 1

Moat 2

Moat 3

Moat 4A2 A3

A1

B1

B2F1F2

facet 1

facet 2

facet 3

facet 4

facet 5

facet 6

facet 7

facet 8

Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

0 50mN

59


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Moat 1

HistoryThe line of the moat hugs the base of the curtain wall line from which the 1292 gatehouse projects. It is therefore likely that the original line of the moat predates the late 13th century.

DescriptionCurrently a broad linear depression, this section of the moat is maintained by the local moat society as a lawn with occasional shrubs, trees and a central pond feature of presumably 1970’s date. The pond was infilled when the society took it on in 1961.

SignificanceThe feature is of national significance.


Management issuesThere is an agreement between the YHA and the Moat Society regarding the general maintenance of this part of the site.

SourcesOrdnance Survey maps

C

D

E2

E Moat 1

Moat 2

Moat 3

Moat 4A2 A3

A1

B1

B2F1F2

facet 1

facet 2

facet 3

facet 4

facet 5

facet 6

facet 7

facet 8

Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

0 50mN

60

Moat 2

HistoryThe line of the moat hugs the base of the curtain wall line from which the 1292 gatehouse projects. It is therefore likely that the original line of the moat predates the late 13th century. It seems to have been retracted between the 2nd and 3rd edition Ordnance Survey maps.

DescriptionCurrently a broad linear depression, this section of the moat is partly under dense vegetation with the section nearest the medieval hall laid out as a garden with walls and benches.



Management issuesNone recorded

SourcesOrdnance Survey maps

C

D

E2

E Moat 1

Moat 2

Moat 3

Moat 4A2 A3

A1

B1

B2F1F2

facet 1

facet 2

facet 3

facet 4

facet 5

facet 6

facet 7

facet 8

Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

0 50mN

61


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Moat 3

HistoryThis is the part of the moat including the access ramp to the castle and presumably the former site of the draw bridge. As an entrance it presumably originated in 1292 when the gatehouse was built.

DescriptionA paved ramp with walls either side.


DesignationScheduled Ancient Monument and Grade 1 listed building

Management issuesThe paving needs to be kept clear of moss or algae that might make it slippery in wet weather.

SourcesNone

C

D

E2

E Moat 1

Moat 2

Moat 3

Moat 4A2 A3

A1

B1

B2F1F2

facet 1

facet 2

facet 3

facet 4

facet 5

facet 6

facet 7

facet 8

Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

0 50mN

62

Moat 4

HistoryThe line of the moat hugs the base of the curtain wall line from which the 1292 gatehouse projects. It is therefore likely that the original line of the moat predates the late 13th century. Still shown as water filled moat in 1775.

DescriptionCurrently the castle carpark separated from the original moat by a wall.



Management issuesThe space comprises a loose stone, low maintenance surface.

Sources1775 illustration (Illus 2)

C

D

E2

E Moat 1

Moat 2

Moat 3

Moat 4A2 A3

A1

B1

B2F1F2

facet 1

facet 2

facet 3

facet 4

facet 5

facet 6

facet 7

facet 8

Scale 1:1,250 @ A4

0 50mN

63


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11.2 ground Floor and Below

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

64

Room B1 Building A3 Oubliette chamber

HistoryOriginal chamber beneath room (G15). Possibly acted as an early medieval dungeon. Dates from the 1292 construction of the gatehouse.

DescriptionA deep circular chamber with no windows or apparent means of access.

SignificanceNationally important, could contain archaeological remains in its base although it does appear to have been kept relatively clear.


Management issuesCould affect the temperature of the room above.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

65


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Room G1 Building A1 Gate-passage, North

HistoryOriginally built in the 1290s containing what are probably post-medieval and 20th century alterations and additions.

DescriptionThe gate-passage was formerly covered at first-floor level from end to end by the first-floor structures of the building, but only the northernmost section of it (G1) still is, the rest (G2) now being open to the elements. The stone sett paving is presumably of the 20th century.

Apart from having gateways at either end strengthened originally by external portcullises, it was divided into two separately defendable sections by a third gateway of similar design on the line of the main cross-wall of the building dividing the present enclosed and open sections. This was rebated on the inner, or south, side and strengthened by a portcullis on the outer, north, face.

The part of the passage between the north and intermediate gateways is spanned by a shallow segmental shuttered concrete vault supported on curving iron beams, all part of the early-20th century restoration.

There are opposing doorways in the side walls at the southern end of this section, both presumably inserted into the positions of primary loops. In both cases their jambs are fairly crude and the southern ones cut through the line of the portcullis slots of the central gateway. The short relieving arch above the western doorway is probably primary but the arch over the eastern one is fairly crude and probably entirely post-medieval.

SignificanceThe upstanding parts of the structure are of national significance.

The concrete vault and iron beams are of little historic significance – simply reflecting its continued use. The paved flooring is significant as it may protect underlying earlier surfaces.


Management issuesOpen joints and loose coping stones to be repointed/rebedded in north wall above passage. Maintenance of paved walkway as it is the main entrance to the castle. Prevent invasive vegetation.

SourcesDefects Survey 2008.

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

66

Room G2 Building A1 Gate-passage, South

HistoryOriginally built in the 1290s, the east wall has been recently rebuilt as a close copy.

DescriptionThe open section of the passage has, on the west side, the remnants of a decorative corbel table that presumably took the timber joists of the lost first-floor structure. There is no indication that this section was vaulted as such a vault would have interfered with the evidently grand first-floor room in the south-eastern part of the building (see below).

In this section there are two primary doorways on the west side, one of which has been blocked and converted into a window. These openings have rounded jambs and very shallow triangular heads but are very unusual in originally being protected by individual portcullises, the slots of which survive. There was clearly a gap behind the corbel table above each doorway to take the portcullis in the ‘up’ position.

The east wall is virtually all the result of 20th century rebuilding to create the flat-roofed single storey portion of the East Tower. In it are two doorway openings matching those in the west wall – one being a window too. These are presumably, part replicas of what had been there and both have faux portcullis slots.

SignificanceThe west wall is of national significance. The east wall is less significant being a rebuild. The paved flooring is significant as it may protect underlying earlier surfaces.


Management issuesMaintenance of paved walkway as it is the main entrance to the castle. Prevent invasive vegetation.


bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

67


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Room G3 Building A2 Porter’s Lodge Dormitory

HistoryWalls are original late 13th century. East entrance inserted in the post-medieval period. Fireplace and internal decoration 19th/20th century in date.

DescriptionThe northern room at this level is now the Porter’s Lodge Dormitory (G3), accessed through the inserted doorway off the gate-passage or through a primary doorway at the west end of the cross-wall to the south. The walls are partly of bare masonry and partly plastered.

The doorway off the Gate Passage was created in the position of a primary loop. The other doorway appears to be primary – there are rebated doorways with shallow triangular stone heads at either end of the short passage (G4) through the south wall and another one off it to a short narrow curving corridor leading to what was presumably once a garderobe (G5).

The northern room is almost an irregular octagon in plan. In two of the three northern facets there are deep reveals, one still splayed and serving a primary loop, the other altered slightly to accommodate a replacement cross-mullioned window.

In the north-eastern facet, opposite the doorway through the cross-wall, is a fireplace and a degree of rebuilding in the masonry above suggests changes to the flue. The chimney piece is a replica of a medieval one probably dating to the early 20th century; above it is a relieving arch and below the ceiling level is the corbelling out for the hearth of the fireplace in the room above. There is a void beneath the floorboards in this room but no longer any evidence of access to it or whether it served any previous function.

SignificanceThe walls and original openings are of national significance. The fireplace retains a significance of its own, all-be-it through later association with the structure and reflects the later use and aspirations of later occupants of the building.

DesignationScheduled Ancient Monument, Grade I listed building

Management issuesThe use of gloss paint needs to be assessed and where detrimental alternatives identified. Water damage to plaster in window reveals is an issue throughout the structure. Maintain accessible information on services.


bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

68

Room G4 Building A1 Ground Floor Passage

HistoryOriginal feature of late 13th century date.

DescriptionThe passage is a short primary access through the spine wall between the two halves of the tower with a plain stone vault, stone lining and rebated doorways at either end. Off it is the doorway leading into the Garderobe (G5).

SignificanceNationally important.


Management issuesMaintenance of wall decoration and plaster. Vulnerable to damage through constant use as only access to G3.

SourcesDefects Survey 2008. bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

69


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Room G5 Building A1 Ground Floor Garderobe

HistoryMost probably part of the original build of the 1290s although with an altered window. It still retains the original location of the toilet although this is now used as a cupboard.

DescriptionThe garderobe (G4) consists of the short rubblestone vaulted passage off the corridor through the cross wall (G4) which leads to the garderobe chamber; that is similarly vaulted, but at right-angles to the main tower wall; this area, lit by a widened window, is now a small store cupboard.



Management issuesConsideration regarding type of paint used directly onto stone work and particularly in the area of window reveals that have been identified as susceptible to damp.


bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

70

Room G6 Building A1 Old Kitchen

HistoryThe southern room (G6) is known as the Old Kitchen. This was most probably originally two rooms as part of the 1290s build, the southernmost section a cross passage from G2 to a spiral stair up to the first floor, the northernmost forming a room also accessed from G2. Later alterations (possibly 19th/20th century in date) resulted in the removal of the subdivision and spiral stair, insertion of a new wooden stair central to the southern part of the room, and the introduction of a fireplace in the northeast corner.

DescriptionIt is virtually square in plan and has no less than four doorways leading into it – two primary, from the Gate Passage and through the cross wall to the north, and two inserted through the south wall at the ends of narrow angled passageways. There was a second doorway to the Gate Passage, suggesting earlier and now lost sub-division of this space; this has been converted into a window.

There are also two windows in the west wall, both set within primary reveals. However the main one is of post-medieval stone cross-mullioned form and presumably the widening of an earlier loop. The other is a primary loop set higher in the wall with splayed reveal and odd masonry including cut-off but unconvincing treads within its recess. It is likely that it is related to a lost vice in this corner of the range – and there is some oddity in the masonry on the next level in this corner.

In the north-eastern corner of the room is an angled fireplace and surround, presumably of early-20th century date; there is a degree of disturbance in the masonry of the cross-wall at this point probably associated with it. Against the south wall is the start of the main stairs, again probably of the early-20th century campaign but of robust pseudo-medieval design. The plain wainscot and limited decorative detailing are probably contemporary. The rest of the walls are mainly of bare masonry.

SignificanceNational. The fireplace is probably of lesser significance but its insertion has impacted on original fabric of the building resulting in an irreversible change to the building.


Management issuesThe space currently acts as a reception room, but also provides access to the dormitories beyond and above. The stairwell is open and as such constant access and egress is likely to make it difficult to heat. It is an area of focused foot traffic and therefore floor coverings and damage to plastering around any entrance reveals need to be monitored.


bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

71


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Room G7 Building A3 East Tower South End

HistoryThe walls of the structure are all 20th century build including the mock medieval entrance into (G2). Whilst the floors are also modern finishes, beneath them are likely to be buried earlier archaeological remains.

DescriptionA short length of passage providing immediate access to showers, toilets and a drying room on the ground floor as well as dormitories in the northern half of the east gatehouse.

SignificanceThe upstanding remains are not in themselves of historic significance. However, they are important in that they provide an associated function to the current occupancy and use of the property. Therefore whilst the fabric does not in itself warrant preservation in historical grounds – its loss or damage might result in the need to repair or replace the structure and could lead to subsequent impact on significant buried remains associated with the asset.


Management issuesBuried archaeology.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

72


HistoryThe south wall of this element is the original 1292 south wall of the east gate house and the area may originally have been a dedicated passage leading to the spiral stair in G9. Some original medieval fabric survives at the east end of the passage where the entrance to the spiral stair once stood. The space was partitioned in the late 20th century into two areas containing toilets and showers. Whilst the floors have modern finishes, beneath them are likely to be buried earlier archaeological remains.

DescriptionTwo partitioned spaces containing modern toilets and a shower.

SignificanceThe partitions are not in themselves of historic significance. However, (like G9) they are important in that they provide an associated function to the current occupancy and use of the property. Therefore whilst the fabric does not in itself warrant preservation in historical grounds – its loss or damage might result in the need to repair or replace the structure and could lead to subsequent impact on significant buried remains associated with the asset. The south wall, part of the east partition and buried remains are of national significance.


Management issuesCare and attention needs to be paid at the junctions of the modern and medieval features against the south wall and east wall of the area.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

73


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HistoryOriginally the spiral stair leading to the upper floor hall range in the east gatehouse. Currently part of a 20th century rebuild for a utility block and used as a drying room. Original fabric survives on all sides although the stair has been removed and a door knocked through the north wall.

DescriptionThe drying room is within the base of the main spiral stair of the gatehouse, the treads of which have been removed at this level. Although now accessed by an inserted doorway in the north wall, its original entrance was a triangular-headed doorway in the west wall that was subsequently blocked in two stages. This was directly opposite the doorway to the Gate Passage and there was probably a separate passage linking the two.

SignificanceNational. This space is very significant in understanding the original layout and circulation associated with the 1292 gate house.


Management issuesDue to the vulnerability of the remains in this area and the need to retain relatively uneven elements of the original structure (as well as leave them open for inspection) the use of the room has been carefully chosen. In terms of future decision making this should be a prime factor and its use maintained outside of the general communal circulation within the building. Care must be taken when refurbishing or locating services in this area.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

74


HistoryA north-south running passage from G9 to G14 created as part of the 20th century rebuild of this part of the gatehouse. The east wall is the original east wall of the gatehouse dating to 1292, and the wall surrounding the door into drying room G9 at the south end of the passage also contains original 1292 fabric, as does the entrance into G14.

DescriptionA short length of passage providing access to dormitories in the northern half of the east gatehouse.

SignificanceThe upstanding remains on the west side of the partition are not in themselves of historic significance. However, they are important in that they provide an associated function to the current occupancy and use of the property (see G7 above). The south, east and north walls all contain original fabric and archaeology of national significance may survive beneath the floor.


Management issuesSee G7.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

75


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HistoryOriginally a loop from the southernmost of two rooms on the ground floor of the east gatehouse built 1292. This was partitioned flush with the inner wall surface in the 20th century.

DescriptionSmall WC in the thickness of the east wall.

SignificanceNationally important.


Management issuesAny need to repair buried services or replace the toilet or partition will need to be undertaken with care to avoid disturbing more significant elements of the historic fabric or buried archaeology.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

76


HistoryThe north wall of this element is the original 1292 wall of the southern room of east gatehouse. The space was partitioned in the late 20th century into two areas containing toilets and showers. Also the west wall was rebuilt in mock medieval style. Whilst the floors have modern finishes, beneath them are likely to be buried earlier archaeological remains.


SignificanceThe partitions are not in themselves of historic significance. However, (like G9) they are important in that they provide an associated function to the current occupancy and use of the property (see G7). The south wall, part of the east partition and buried remains are of national significance.


Management issuesCare and attention needs to be paid at the junctions of the modern and medieval features against the north wall of the area. Also below ground services in relation to buried archaeological remains.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

77


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HistoryThe north wall of this element is the original 1292 wall of the southern room of east gate house. The space was partitioned in the late 20th century into two areas containing toilets and showers. Whilst the floors have modern finishes, beneath them are likely to be buried earlier archaeological remains.


SignificanceThe partitions are not in themselves of historic significance. However, (like G9) they are important in that they provide an associated function to the current occupancy and use of the property (see G7). The south wall, part of the east partition and buried remains are of national significance.


Management issuesCare and attention needs to be paid at the junctions of the modern and medieval features against the north wall of the area. Also below ground services in relation to buried archaeological remains.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

78

Room G14 Building A3 East Tower Passage

HistoryAn original 1292 passage leading from the south ground floor room of the gatehouse into the oubliette chamber. This contains evidence for rebated doors at each end.

DescriptionThe short passage (G14) through the east end of the corridor is a primary feature and has a shallow virtually triangular stone vault. At the southern end is a primary doorway, rebated to the passage, and at the northern end is a virtually identical doorway leading into the oubliette chamber (G15), also rebated to the passage and not to the room.



Management issuesConsideration of type of paint used.


bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

79


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Room G15 Building A3 Oubliette Chamber

HistoryNorthern ground floor room of the 1292 gatehouse. Retains most of its original features although the timber floor is likely to be 19th century.

DescriptionThe polygonal oubliette chamber is a virtually mirror image of the Porter’s Lodge (G3) in the West Tower, accessed from the passage on one side and through an inserted doorway off the gate-passage on the other. It is lit by widened windows in primary vaulted reveals, largely plastered, in the north and north-eastern facets.

The walls are mainly of bared masonry, and there are many surviving masons’ marks. On the west wall is a fire-place with a shallow four-centred, virtually triangular, head set beneath a relieving arch in the masonry.

Unlike other medieval fireplaces on the upper floors this has no corbelled hood and is flush with the wall. Although repaired it may nevertheless be primary; above it is the corbelling for the hearth of the fireplace on the room above.

Beneath this room is a cellar known as the oubliette – and thus considered to be a dungeon. It is lined in bared well-coursed masonry with no breaks indicative of lighting or access so could only have been reached by ladder from the ground-floor room.



Management issuesDecoration, possibly graffiti.


bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

80

Room G16 Building A3 East Tower Stairs

HistoryThe space is likely to have originally been a garderobe passage in 1292 when the gatehouse was built. It has been subsequently adapted into a stairway although the date of this alteration is not clear it is probably either 19th or 20th century in date.

Description Leading off the passage to the east of the room are the stairs (G16) up to the first floor. These do not seem to be primary and the vault of the passage was crudely cut away to accommodate them. The walls are crude, suggesting that solid masonry has been cut through to create the stairs, and at the foot they are partly lined with huge tile-stones laid on end. The treads have been renewed.

It is likely that the stairs were created in the position of an original garderobe, which would have matched the arrangement in the West Tower (see above) and been lit by the primary loop in the wall.

SignificanceWhilst not original the stairs form part of the narrative of the subsequent use of the building and currently enable the upper rooms on the north side of the gatehouse to be used as dormitories.


Management issuesConsiderable issues relating to cavities and dust in this area.


bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

81


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Room G17 Building B Courtyard Entrance

HistoryThis is a partitioned area of the lower floor of the early 13th-century hall range. The entrance from the courtyard includes an outer and inner lobby, all created as part of the c.1900 work within the north-eastern part of the footprint of the Hall Range.

DescriptionThe doorway has been converted from a window; the southern part lit by a primary splayed opening. Otherwise there is little of great interest or antiquity. There is an inserted angled passage (G27) through the north wall into the West Tower (Building A1). Within this area is a partitioned off kiosk used as the main office and shop for the Youth Hostel.

SignificanceThe east wall forms part of the original Hall Range. Archaeological remains could survive beneath the floor levels. The partitions are later introductions and of slightly lower significance (in particular the kiosk/office).


Management issuesThe area receives a large amount of foot traffic and therefore may need decorating and regular upkeep.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

82

Room G18 Building B Spine Passage

HistoryA division within the lower part of the early 12th-century Hall Range. It is entirely c.1900 in date.

DescriptionThe spine passage provides access between the ground-floor service rooms and is flanked by brick walls. At the north end it the present reception area and at the south, the service stairs (G22). There are no fixtures or fittings of note and the space has been completely modernised.

SignificanceThe partitions here map the story of the later habitation of the castle.


Management issuesVisitors to the castle queue in this area prior to meals and as a result there is some damage to plaster at the south end of the passage.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

83


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Room G19 Building B Member’s Kitchen

HistoryApart from the north wall, which was the north gable of the early 13th-century medieval range, the other walls are post-medieval – a mix of stone and brick.

DescriptionThe Member’s Kitchen occupies the north-western corner of the Hall Range footprint. The reception area at the eastern side, at the northern end of the Spine Passage (G18), appears to have been carved out of this space. There is an inserted angled passage through the north wall into the West Tower. There are no fixtures or fittings of note and the space has been completely modernised.

SignificanceThe north wall of the space is of national significance. Other walls form part of the narrative and assist in the current use of the building.


Management issuesAs a working kitchen there are fire and hygiene issues to take into account.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

84

Room G20 Building B Manager’s Kitchen

HistoryThe Manager’s Kitchen occupies part of the early 13th-century Hall Range footprint but is entirely a creation of the c.1900 rebuilding of this part of the site;

DescriptionThe room occupies a central position on the west side of the ground floor of the Hall Range. The external wall is faced in stone, the rest are of brick. The space is lit by a two-light window in the west wall and a borrowed light window in the brick spine wall to the cranked central corridor. There are no fixtures or fittings of note and the space has been completely modernised.

SignificanceAll walls are of 19th/20th century in date and assist in the current use of the building.


Management issuesAs a working kitchen there are fire and hygiene issues to take into account.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

85


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Room G21 Building A1 Larder

HistoryThe Larder occupies part of the early 13th-century Hall Range footprint but with the exception of the original south wall is entirely a creation of the c.1900 rebuilding of this part of the site.

DescriptionThe larder off the manager’s kitchen (G20) occupies the south-western corner of the main hall or state apartment section of the Hall Range and the south wall is medieval. The other walls are not. It is lit by a two-light window in the west wall. There are no fixtures or fittings of note and the space has been completely modernised.

Significance

The south wall and any structures or evidence surviving beneath the floor are of national importance. Other items including the partition walls and ceiling are less significant historically. However, their contribution to the continued use of the building needs to be a prime consideration.


Management issuesAs part of a working kitchen there are fire and hygiene issues to take into account.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

86

Room G22 Building B Service Stairs

HistoryThe service stairs lie at the southern end of the northern basement room of the 13th-century Hall Range. They are a creation of the c.1900 rebuilding of this part of the site.

DescriptionThe service stairs at the southern end of the spine passage (G18) are of simple dog-leg form rising to the first-floor. They have plain stick balusters and square newels and are part of the c.1900 work. The south wall of the stairs is the medieval cross wall.

SignificanceAs part of the later use and circulation of the building and also with respect to the current use of the building these are of high significance.


Management issuesThe only issues identified for this building are those relating to decoration in this part of the building. These would also need to be monitored with respect to health and safety to ensure treads and coverings are sound.

SourcesDefects Survey 2008

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

87


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Room G23 Building A1

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

88

Room G24 Building A1 South Entrance Hall

HistoryThe passageway originally formed the northern half of a basement room at the south end of the range beneath King John’s bedchamber. Its west end comprises a door probably inserted as a new entrance to the house in c.1900. The entrance at the east end is an original vaulted medieval one. The north wall is also original medieval work.

DescriptionThe south entrance hall was probably created in around 1900 when a new doorway was created from the gardens to the west; this leads into a full-width cross passage against the south side of the medieval cross-wall leading to a medieval doorway into the ground floor of the Chapel (Building C).

It has been considerably modernised and the wall to the south is clearly inserted. It is unclear if it dates from c.1900 or to more recent changes associated with the creation of the WCs to the south (G25).

SignificanceThe north and east extents of the area are medieval in date and of national importance as are any buried archaeological remains. More recent partitions and doorways are less significant.


Management issuesThese will predominantly relate to the relatively high areas of traffic through this area to and from the dining room and toilets. This could lead to damage to decorated surfaces or plaster work and needs monitoring/managing.

SourcesVerbal – site manager.

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

89


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2010

Room G25 Building A1 Main WCs

HistoryThe south, east and west walls are part of the south end of the early medieval hall range basement. The area was probably partitioned in the mid 19th century to form toilets.

DescriptionThe space to the south of the south entrance hall occupies the southern portion of the medieval Hall Range and these two spaces were presumably once part of one larger full-width space. There is a surviving reveal in the east wall and traces of others in the south. Apart from those features, the rest of the layout is entirely modern and associated with the creation of the main WCs for the Youth Hostel.

SignificanceThe medieval walls and archaeology buried beneath the floor, along with the ceiling, (which lies beneath the original floor level of the solar above are likely to be of national significance. The toilets and their partitions are only significant with respect to the current use of the property.


Management issuesThere are potential archaeological issues relating to renewal or repair of services in this area.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29G2

7G28

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

90

Room G26 Building C Court Room / Dining Room

HistoryThe original timber-framed chapel was built in this location in 1236–7. The room forms part of the later stone-built building. It has been adapted on a number of occasions and appears to have had a cross passage or stair access against the Hall Range wall at one point, its north wall being further adapted with the introduction of a doorway c.1900.

DescriptionThe Court/Dining room is the ground floor or undercroft of the Chapel Range. The ground floor is accessed from the Hall Range through a stone-framed doorway with a fairly shallow two-centred arch. In the north wall the doorway and window openings have shallow segmental arch-headed reveals.

The walls and ceiling are plain plastered and the floor is of parquet. The room is spanned by the bridging beams of the first floor, which appear to be of early-20th century date.

In the eastern gable wall there is a rather heavy stone chimneypiece that appears to be late-19th century in date; above it is a stone-framed recess with a two-centred arched recess of uncertain date; there is no obvious indication externally for a former window or doorway in this position, although the masonry has been patched and repaired.

SignificanceThe area is of national significance.


Management issuesBuried archaeology.

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

91


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Room G27 Building A Access passage

HistoryOriginally part of the early 13th-century range north wall. This was at a later date knocked through to create an access between buildings B and A. May relate to the late 19th century alterations.

DescriptionA vaulted stone passage.

SignificanceThe structure is of national significance.


Management issuesBelow ground archaeology. Care of historic wall fabric and decoration

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

92

Room G28 Building A Access passage/cupboard

HistoryOriginally part of the early 13th-century range north wall. This was at a later date knocked through to create an access between buildings B and A. May relate to the late 19th-century alterations. It has since been adapted to form two cupboards – probably in the mid 20th century.

DescriptionA vaulted stone passage.

SignificanceThe structure is of national significance.


Management issuesBelow ground archaeology. Care of historic wall fabric and decoration

SourcesNone

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

G26

G2G2 G7G7

G8G8 G9G9

G10G10G11G11

G12G12 G13G13

G14G14

G16G16

G17G17G17a

G18G18

G19G19

G20G20

G21G21G22G22

G23G23

G24G24

G25G25G25G25

G26

G29

G27G2

8

G1G1G15G15

G3G3

G6G6

G4G4

G5G5

93


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11.3 First FloorN

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

94

Room F1 Building A1 Portcullis Chamber

HistoryThe area contains the remnants of what was probably an original first floor chamber over the front end of the gate-passage when the gatehouse was built in 1292.It subsequently fell into disrepair and there may be some elements that have been reconstructed such as the north wall. It contains a walkway as part of the fire escape of late 20th-century date.

DescriptionAbove the vaulted northern section of the gate-passage is a roofless section formed by the front wall and the flanking side walls of the towers (F1). There was clearly a first-floor room at this point.

There is a stub of walling in the flank of the West Tower that represents the continuation of the main cross-wall at this point, now demolished over the line of the gate-passage. There is no answering scar in the flank of the repaired west wall of the East Tower.

In the front, or north, wall is a square-headed loop with splayed internal frame set within a square-sided reveal; this is the point at which the main portcullis was raised in normal times.

In each side wall at this level is an inserted modern doorway forming the modern fire escapes from the tower. There are, similarly, inserted doorways at second floor level linked by a modern pedestrian bridge.

It is assumed that there was a second floor chamber at this point too, lit by a loop in the north wall, and there are remnants of the square-sided reveal. However, the battlemented upper section of the wall in its present form probably dates only to circa 1900 and most of the archaeological evidence of earlier phases has been lost.

SignificanceThe area contains information regarding the former workings and defences of the gate-passage with its unusually large number of portcullises, and as such is of national significance.


Management issuesThe main concerns in this area relate to degraded parts of the wall fabric dropping on to pedestrians using the access below. Also being a ruinous part of the building it is much more vulnerable to first damage than other parts of the building. Open joints in merlons and embrasures need repointing.


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

95


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Room F2 Building A2 Prison Dormitory

HistoryOriginally constructed as part of the gatehouse in 1292, its shape and layout of doors and fenestration have been little altered. The room was used as a prison in the 17th and 18th century and later altered into living quarters in the late 19th century, as evidenced through the inserted fireplace in the north-east corner. A door was knocked through the east wall to act as a fire escape in the 20th century.

DescriptionThe northern room (F2) of the West Tower is known as the Prison Dormitory and is spanned by a pair of plain bridging beams. Its walls are mainly plastered.

The room is lit by windows in primary positions in the north and north-west facets of the north wall but the northern loop has been widened into a cross-mullioned window. The jambs of the deep splays are rounded with traces of simple plinth stops. There are some iron shutter hooks in situ.

The most remarkable feature of the room is the preserved graffiti in the plasterwork of the reveals and adjacent sections of the wall, mainly of 17th and 18th-century date and related to the use of this space as a prison.

In the north-eastern corner of the roof is a much-restored and practically rebuilt medieval stone fireplace with a hood supported on two keeled quadrant moulded corbels similar to others elsewhere in the Gatehouse. The lintel and the hood are mostly c.1900.

The main access into the room is from a small triangular-headed primary doorway to the passage through the cross-wall, its opening rebated to the passage rather than to the room. A fire escape doorway has been inserted through the east wall in recent times. The ceiling and floor are most probably 19th/20th century in date.

SignificanceThe structure of the room, in this case including the original plaster with graffiti are of national significance.


Management issuesA major concern in this area is the damage to graffiti caused by peeling or picking the paint. At present this is managed through placing group leaders or adults in the room. Measures used to restrict windows being opened should be monitored regularly. Fire exits need to be maintained.

SourcesSite manager, property curator. Defects Survey 2008.

N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

96

Room F3 Building A1 First Floor Passage

HistoryThe original entrance passage to room F2 and the first floor garderobe (F4) as part of the 1292 build.

DescriptionThe passage (F3) through the west end of the cross-wall has a shallow triangular vault and rebated doorways at either end – both rebates for doors opening into the passage. The south door is of some antiquity, strap-hung and studded. Leading off it is the west first floor garderobe (F4).

SignificanceNationally significant.


Management issuesPaint and plasterwork


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

97


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Room F4 Building A1 First Floor Garderobe

HistoryOriginal garderobe from the 1292 build.

DescriptionAccessed from the first floor passage (F3) is a garderobe arrangement like the one below (G4), consisting of a stone vaulted curved corridor leading to the stone vaulted garderobe chamber, vented by a loop in the west wall.

SignificanceNational significance, the cupboard is less significant – but may preserve original elements of the medieval structure behind it.


Management issuesPaint work around the windows in particular and the use of gloss paint in these areas. Measures used to restrict windows being opened should be monitored regularly or access to space restricted.


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

98

Room F5 Building A1 Guard Chamber

HistoryThis would appear to have been a medieval room of some status given that it was heated. It would date from the construction of the building in 1292. There appears to have been a certain amount of adaption to the room in the 17th century when the site was used as a prison and the window was widened. Further adaptations at the end of the 19th century saw the insertion of the staircase in the south-west side of the room. Inserted into the south-eastern corner of the room are modern WCs (F16) and there is also an odd space (F6) cut into the extreme corner with a curved south wall related to the spiral stair above (see below).

DescriptionThis primary space is square in plan and lit by a two-light stone-mullioned window – possibly of 17th century date – set in a primary reveal in the west wall and presumably the result of the widening of an original loop.

Against the northern end of the east wall is a largely intact medieval hooded stone fireplace. This has jambs and corbels with continuous roll and fillet moulding but it is assumed that the shallow segmental arched lintel, plastered over, is secondary. On this are three painted coats of arms – attractively but naively executed and of no great antiquity. These are, from left to right: the bordered variant of the older royal coat of arms quartering France and England used by the Beaufort family, lessees of the castle until 1838; the current royal coat of arms, in use since 1837; and the mid-17th century ‘Commonwealth’ coat of arms of the City of Gloucester, though with the tincture of the field changed from gold to azure.

There is some oddity in the masonry of the adjacent section of the north wall, possibly associated with an inserted flue subsequently removed or made redundant. The plaster and limewash hide much of the structural evidence. The main wooden dog-leg stairs from the ground floor rise up to its south-western corner and continue up in an elaborate arrangement to the second floor, all of these being part of the same early-20th century work but possibly incorporating some old fabric.

SignificanceThe room contains considerable evidence for all the stages of use of the castle. The fabric is nationally important.


Management issuesHeating this space is an issue given the open stairwell running through it. Clearly the plaster work in the adjacent room is of 17th century date and therefore so might the plaster in this room be. The floor and ceiling are most probably not earlier than this date. Measures used to restrict windows being opened should be monitored regularly.


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

99


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Room F6 Building A1 West Tower Spiral

HistoryOriginal site of a spiral stair dating from 1292. The stair has since been removed but would have formed the access to the room above. It may also link the late 13th century hall to the east (F9) with this tower though a doorway here.

DescriptionNext to the modern WCs there is an odd space cut into the extreme corner with a curved south wall, lit by a window in the east wall that may once have been a small doorway. This area is related to the spiral stair above.

SignificanceThe space is of high significance as it provides evidence about the original circulation within the Keep.


Management issuesMeasures used to restrict windows being opened should be monitored regularly, or access to the space needs to be restricted.


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

100

Room F7 Building A3 East Tower Upper Stair

HistoryThe space here may once have mimicked the garderobe in the west tower. However, if that were the case it was much altered by c.1900 when a modern stair was inserted against the east wall at this location. The original loop appears to have been retained.

DescriptionThe top of the steps (F7) have a very awkward junction at first-floor level with a straight flight of early 20th-century date against the east wall up to the second floor and the access into the main first-floor room.

SignificanceThe north and east walls around the space are predominantly original 1292 work. The adaptations are important as they form part of the current use of the building.


Management issuesMeasures used to restrict windows being opened should be monitored regularly.


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

101


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Room F8 Building A3 Constables Dormitory

HistoryOriginally the first floor north room of the east gatehouse built in 1292. This appears to have originally been heated. It was probably accessed from F9 although the south wall has since been rebuilt removing any evidence for this. Most other alterations date from the 20th century with the insertion of new windows and doors and the partitioning off of the stairwell in the southeast corner of the room.

DescriptionThe room appears to be entire, apart from the partitioning off of the modern stairs on the east side. However, the southern wall is clearly not medieval. The room is lit by widened early 20th-century windows in primary reveals in the north and north-eastern facets and both of the doorways into it are inserted – the eastern one probably dating to the early 20th century and the western one a later 20th-century fire escape.

There is a small fireplace in the west wall with a plain stone surround of mid-late Georgian form. Above it are the surviving corbels of the hood of a medieval fireplace, quadrant moulded with broad chamfers and pyramid stops.



Management issuesMeasures used to restrict windows being opened should be monitored regularly. Also the type of paint used in window reveals needs testing to ensure it does not peel with damp. Fire exits need to be maintained.


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

102

Room F9 Building A1 Gatehouse Hall

HistoryIt is thought that this was a hall range that replaced the earlier medieval one when the gatehouse was built in 1292. It was smaller than the original but better defended and more closely associated with adjacent living quarters. There is no indication that it was reused at a later date of occupancy of the castle and is the longest standing ruinous part of the building.

DescriptionThe roofless section in the southern part of the East Tower is part of a larger room that also extended westwards across the Gate Passage and was thus aligned west-east. It was accessed by the former spiral stair in the south-eastern corner. The space below is now occupied by the flat-roofed single-storey toilets.

This first-floor hall was lit by larger two-light stone-mullioned windows in deep reveals in the east and south walls. To the west of the southern window is an intriguing primary, arch-headed internal recess. It was heated by a primary medieval stone fireplace on the west wall – above the west wall of the gate passage below.

SignificanceLack of alterations to this part of the fabric of the building mean that it demonstrates more precisely than any other part of the building the original design, circulation and status of the gatehouse. It is nationally significant.


Management issuesMaintenance of exposed masonry faces. Prevention of moisture penetration into wall tops. There are loose elements that need rebedding and open joints that need repointing. The area needs monitoring regularly due to its exposed and vulnerable nature.


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

103


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2010

Room F10 Building B First Floor Corridor

HistoryThe corridor occupies the east side of the medieval hall including the original site of the fireplace and windows. The floor level has since been reduced (possibly around 1900). The partitions on the west side of the passage are likely to date from 1900 or later as is the connecting passage knocked through the north wall of the former hall range into F5.

DescriptionTo the north of the cross-wall the internal divisions belong to the late 19th or early 20th-century and create a series of large rooms (F11-13) to the west of a corridor (F10) running between two lobbies along the inside of the medieval east wall.

In the east wall there are two primary window reveals with the remnants of the fireplace position between them – modernised and converted into a storage cupboard. The west wall is entirely of c.1900, complete with contemporary doorways.

SignificanceThe east wall is certainly of national significance and retains evidence of many of the original features of the Hall Range. The partitions on the east side are only significant with respect to the current use of the site, and even then they may be adaptable without preventing the continued use of the building.


Management issuesNone identified.

SourcesNone

N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

104

Room F11 Building B State Apartment

HistoryThe State Apartment is the northernmost first-floor room in the Hall Range, created as part of the c.1900 work. Its north wall is of medieval date. The rest (including the floors) later in date. A roof had very recently been rebuilt across this space and those to its south and east.

DescriptionThe north wall retains the very fine primary medieval window reveal – the window having been blocked by the construction of the Gatehouse. Above it is a series of quadrant profile stone corbels on the inner top of the remains of the north gable, presumably designed to carry a wall-plate or truss tie.

Otherwise there is little of interest in the room, which is accessed from the corridor to the east and lit by a large window in the rebuilt west wall. It may once have had a fireplace, since blocked.

SignificanceThe north wall with its window seat is of national significance. The remaining parts of the space are later and only significant with respect to the continued use of the building.




N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

105


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Room F12 Building B Isobel’s Room

HistoryIsobel’s Room is the middle of the three first-floor room in the Hall Range, created as part of the c.1900 work. Its detailing is quite plain and mostly of that period.

DescriptionThere is little of interest in the room, which is accessed through a small lobby – with a WC off it (F17) – from the corridor to the east and lit by a large window in the rebuilt west wall. It had a fireplace in the north wall. The north-eastern corner has been partitioned off for a modern shower (F17), accessed from the corridor.

SignificanceThe space does not contain any original features of the medieval structure and predominantly illustrates the later 1900 use of the building with more recent insertions on its east side.




N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

106

Room F13 Building B Office

HistoryThe Office is the southernmost of the three first-floor rooms in the medieval Hall Range, created as part of the c.1900 work. Its detailing is quite plain and mostly of that period.

DescriptionThere is little of interest in the room, which is accessed from the corridor to the east and lit by a large window in the rebuilt west wall. The entrance is narrower than the rest of the room because of the position of the Service Stairs.

The room had a fireplace in the north wall. The south wall is medieval but little evidence of its development is visible because of the modern decorative finishes.

SignificanceWith the exception of the south wall which is medieval, the space does not contain any original features of the medieval structure and predominantly illustrates the later 1900 use of the building.




N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

107


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2010

Room F14 Building B King John’s Bedchamber

HistoryThe southern third of the range is now known variously as the Jury Room, the Common Room, or King John’s Bedchamber. The first of these relates to the use of the buildings as a court in the past. The room forms part of the medieval range and was probably used as accommodation alongside the Hall to the north.

DescriptionThe present doorway opening at the eastern end of this wall is set within the partly blocked reveal of a slightly broader doorway with a segmental arched head; this appears to be of medieval date.

The room is lit by remodelled windows in the west and east walls, both of which appear to be the reworking of original medieval openings. The door arrangement in the south gable is part of the early-1900s work.

The most obvious feature of the room is the fine medieval chimneypiece to the south of the window on the west wall. The entire canopy survives – the upper section hidden above the present ceiling. It is a highly decorated and very important work, but not quite as authentic as it seems. The triple shafts beneath the single stiff-stalk and leaf capitals clearly do not belong, but both elements are probably of mid-13th century work. The chimneypiece is assumed to have been reset in this position, having been moved from elsewhere within the castle; however, it has been in this position since at least the mid-19th century.

The entrance to the room in its north-east corner is awkward and may be a late adaption.

SignificanceThe space contains much original medieval fabric and an important medieval feature in the fireplace (even if it is not in its original position). It is of national significance.


Management issuesLocalised damp was noted in the defects report, particularly near openings and windows. This needs to be assessed along with the type of paint used to decorate walls or other finishes. Measures used to restrict windows being opened should be monitored regularly.


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

108

Room F15 Building C Chapel

HistoryThe original timber-framed chapel was built in this location in 1236–7. The room forms part of the later stone-built building (c.1300) which was used as a court room in the early post-medieval period.

DescriptionThe Chapel is open to the apex of the roof and accessed through an impressive medieval doorway from the Hall Range; this has decorative bar chamfer stops and is rebated on the west, or Hall Range, side. The grand double doors in the opening are evidently of early-20th century date.

The room is lit by a window in the east gable wall and two three-light windows in the side walls – the one on the north side probably an early post-medieval insertion and the one in the south side probably dating from the early-20th century. The timber three-light window in the gable is set within an earlier larger opening and beneath it is a stone fireplace of vaguely medieval design but presumably early-20th century date. The floorboards are probably of the same period.

The main feature of interest is a small and quite simple stone piscina towards the eastern end of the south wall. This is of trefoil form and retains its projecting semi-octagonal bowl. It is impossible to assess if this feature is in situ but there seems to be no obvious reason to doubt that it is.

SignificanceThe building appears to have been much altered but still retains features that are likely to be original to the first stone phase of its construction. It is also a valuable communal space within the existing use of the building and has always been a communal space.


Management issuesEfficiency of heating.

SourcesNone

N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

109


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Room F16 Building A Toilets

HistoryToilets inserted in the late 20th century as part of the current use of the building.

DescriptionSmall modern partitioned area containing toilets.

SignificanceAncillary to the current use of the building.


Management issuesService provision – in particular water supply.


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

110

Room F17 Building B Toilets and Showers

HistoryToilets and showers inserted in the late 20th century as part of the current use of the building.

DescriptionSmall modern partitioned area containing toilets.

SignificanceAncillary to the current use of the building.


Management issuesService provision – in particular water supply.


N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

111


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Room F18 Building B Stairs

HistoryThe area contains what appears to be the entrance into the main hall range located on the north (hall) side of the original medieval partition wall. In the west side of the area stairs were inserted around 1900, rising from the ground floor level to this.

DescriptionThe space raises a number of issues relating to differences in floor levels. Clearly the landing at this level relates to the threshold of the main door (now from the Chapel) but which at some point would have been ‘external’ possibly served by steps from the yard below. The landing level also relates to the floor level in King John’s bedchamber (F14) to its south. However, the Hall Range to the north at this point had a floor level at least a metre higher than that to the threshold of the entrance door. One possibility is that there was a screened passage to the west of this space with a timber flight of stairs leading up to the Hall. This arrangement does not fit comfortably with usual configurations of high and low ends to halls.

SignificanceNationally significant. The area could contain evidence as to the original configuration of the medieval hall range.


Management issuesNone identified

SourcesNone

N

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F16

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F17

F3

F6

F2F4

F1 F8F7

F9

F5

F11

F10F12

F13

F14

F15

F18

F16F16

F17

F3

F6

10m0

1:200 @ A4

112

11.4 Second Floor

N

S1

S2

S3

S4

10m0

1:200 @ A4

113


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Building A Room S1 Chaplain’s Room

HistoryThis is the second floor room of the east tower originally built in 1292. Only the north and east wall survive the other two having been rebuilt in the 19th century.

DescriptionThe second floor space in the East Tower is similar to that in the West Tower (S2), the features mirrored in plan. The two are linked by the inserted escape bridge across the gate passage. Its south and west wall are largely rebuilt, probably dating from the start of the 19th century.

The room is lit by remodelled primary windows in the north and east sides and accessed by a narrow dog-led stair in the south-eastern corner. There was a second floor over the southern part of the east tower but only traces of the window openings that once lit it survive.

SignificanceThe structure has had its windows altered and much of it was rebuilt in the early 19th century. As such it is the best example of the restoration of this period and therefore of relatively high significance.




N

S1

S2

S3

S4

10m0

1:200 @ A4

114

Room S2 Building A2 Hanging Room

HistoryThis part of the tower retains much of its original elements up to wall plate level and is predominantly the 1292 build.

DescriptionThe second floor layout of the West Tower is similar to that on the floor below but with a few differences and a lower ceiling height. There is no short passage between the two rooms with a garderobe leading off it; instead there is a standard doorway at the west end of the cross-wall which, at this level, tapers to being rather thin at this point.

The northern room, known now as the Hanging Room (S2) is lit by primary loops in the north and west sides – the latter above the loops to the garderobes on the floors below. There never was a loop in the north-western angle of the room.

The room has few features of note other than the visible medieval fabric; it is spanned by two boxed beams associated with the 17th-century roof. There is a modern fire escape doorway through the east wall; this leads onto a bridge link to another inserted doorway into the East Tower.

SignificanceThe room is of national significance and retains much of its medieval fabric.




N

S1

S2

S3

S4

10m0

1:200 @ A4

115


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Room S3 Building A3 Guard Room

HistoryThis part of the tower retains much of its original elements up to wall plate level and is predominantly the 1292 build.

DescriptionThe square southern room on the second floor of the West Tower is the Guard Room (S3). It is lit by a window that was a widening of a primary loop in the west wall, which retains the original reveal, and by an inserted three-light window in the east wall overlooking the Gate Passage. The room is spanned by two boxed ceiling beams.

In the north wall is a plain fireplace that appears to be medieval, with stone jambs and corbels and a timber lintel. The jambs and the corbels are plain chamfered on one side only, and that chamfer is continued along the lintel. There is a degree of discontinuity in the masonry of the north-east corner, presumably associated with changes to the flue of the fireplace in the room below.

The early 20th-century boxed stair from the first-floor lands in the south-eastern corner of the space within what appears to be a primary spiral stair leading up to the present attics.





N

S1

S2

S3

S4

10m0

1:200 @ A4

116

Room S4 Building A3 West Tower Spiral (Upper)

HistoryA spiral stair dating to the 1292 build.

DescriptionIn the south-eastern corner at this level is the top of the original medieval spiral stair or vice, adapted by the present access into the roof space. This originally appears to have risen from first floor level upwards.



Management issuesNone identified.

SourcesNone

N

S1

S2

S3

S4

10m0

1:200 @ A4

117


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11.5 roof

bd

10m0

1:200 @ A4

N

R1

R1

R2

R3

R4

R5

R6

118

Room R1 Building A2 The West Tower Roof

HistoryThere are now no signs of the original 1292 roof for the building. It appears from the tree-ring analysis that the trusses date from the mid-17th century when the building was brought into use as a prison, but were then subsequently altered, possibly as late as c.1900, when the purlins were re-set at a higher level and the bolted tie-rods added to replace the struts.

DescriptionThe roof over the West Tower is plain gabled with a rounded ‘hip’ at the north end and is covered with tilestones. There is a stone cross-wall which supports the centre of the roof structure and three structural bays to either side of it. The four timber trusses and has evidently been altered.

In the present design the trusses consist mainly of substantial tie-beams and principal rafters, but with a bolted wrought-iron king-rod. The top of this is drilled through the vertical butt joint of the principals.

The trusses support two tiers of trenched purlins and there is a series of rather ad hoc half-trusses around the northern semi-conical hip made up mainly of re-used timbers. There is also a tie-beam immediately to the north of the cross-wall, with a brace to support the lower purlins.

The trusses appear originally to have had no king-rod but did have stiffening in the form of angled braces from the ties to the principals, the pegged mortises for which survive. In this form the trusses also carried two purlins, but these were butted and their top surfaces flush with the tops of the principal rafters.

The attics were once in use but most of the boarding has been removed. They are divided into two by the stone cross-wall and the southern section is divided further by an early 20th-century match-boarded partition on the line of its northern truss.

SignificanceThe roof structure contains early post-medieval elements and as such is of high significance. Its continued retention and repair are paramount to the continued use of the structure.


Management issuesA number of loose tiles were noted and there are issues here regarding both safe access to the castle through the passage below and the continued watertight nature of the roof covering.

SourcesDendrochronology report

bd

10m0

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Room R2 Building A3 The East Tower Roof (North)

HistoryThis roof seems to be of early 19th-century date, tying in with the repairs undertaken to this tower at that time.

DescriptionDespite appearances, only the northern half of the East Tower has three floors and a roof to match, covered in tilestones. It has a rounded hip to the north and a masonry plain gable to the north, much rebuilt; the timbers are well wrought but of relatively thin scantling.

It is of three bays with two main trusses – a bolted king-post to the north and a strapped queen-post to the south – supporting two tiers of purlins. The king-post truss is of convenient design but the queen-post is rather odd; the straining beam between the posts over-sails them and on the inside of each post is a bolted iron tie-rod that could be primary or a later insertion.

SignificanceThe main significance of this structure relates to the current use of the building. However, it was an important early repair that ensured the continued survival of much of the fabric below. It is also of ecological significance due to the presence of an active bat roost.

DesignationScheduled Ancient Monument, Grade I listed building, protected species.

Management issuesMaintenance and repair to this structure in the future will need to accommodate legislation relating to the presence of bats in the roof.

SourcesEcology section of this report.

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Room R3 Building A3 The East Tower Roof (South)

HistoryThe southern portion of the East Tower had been effectively gutted within its walls through ruination before the ground floor was colonised in the later-20th century for services and given a new, flat, roof at roughly the level of the original first-floor.

DescriptionModern flat roof.

SignificanceImportant for the current use of this part of the structure.


Management issuesNeeds to be monitored and kept clear of vegetation and detritus.

SourcesNone

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Room R4 Building B1 The Hall Roof

HistoryThis roof presumably belongs to the restoration at the start of the 20th century although has been recently restored.

DescriptionIt is a shallow mono-pitch, slightly higher on the east side and largely hidden behind the embattled parapet on the west side. It has recently been recovered with lead (?) sheeting.

SignificanceImportant for the current use of this part of the structure.


Management issuesNeeds to be monitored and kept clear of vegetation and detritus.

SourcesNone

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Room R5 Building B2 The Solar Roof

HistoryThe roof over the solar is over four hundred years old, dated by tree-ring analysis to the 1590s. This is built as a cross-roof, aligned west-east, and is plain gabled and covered in old tilestones.

DescriptionAt the western gable end is a medieval stone-built octagonal chimney with trefoil-headed vents in crocketed gables beneath a short spire topped by a finial representing the forester’s horn. Although a genuine medieval feature of circa 1300, it was moved to its present position from elsewhere in the castle, probably the ruins of a lodging built up against the north-eastern sector of the Curtain Wall.

Structurally, the roof is of three bays and there are trusses at either end just inside the masonry as well as two in between. The trusses are simple, consisting of tie-beams and principals and a single widely spaced pair of ‘V-struts’; they support two tiers of trenched purlins. The roof structure is virtually identical to that in the Chapel Range and the tree-ring analysis indicates that the timbers were felled in the same period.



Management issuesAlthough it was recently re-tiled many tiles are displaced implying the materials used may not have been appropriate.

SourcesNone

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Room R6 Building C The Chapel Roof

HistoryThis evidence strongly suggests that the present roof is a replacement – a suggestion supported by the character of the existing roof structure and the tree-ring dates given for them.

DescriptionThe range now has a plain-gabled roof covered in modern machine-made pantiles. There is evidence externally, in the form of a surviving section of angled weathering fossilised in the east wall of the adjacent Hall Range, of a higher and more steeply pitched roof structure for a range in this position.

Internally, this is confirmed by the manner in which the tie-beam of the western end truss cuts across the head of the doorway into the first-floor of the building from the Hall Range and the tie of the eastern end truss cuts the top of the original medieval window.

Structurally, the roof is of three bays but has four trusses – one at either end inside the masonry and two intermediate ones. These trusses are fairly plain and are supported by corbels on the side walls that appear to be relatively modern – but could date to the c.1900 period.

Each truss, consists of a tie-beam and principal rafters with a single pair of ‘V-struts’ in between. They support two tiers of trenched purlins. The roof timbers are simply chamfered and jointed with pegged mortise and tenons. The soffits of the common rafters between the purlins are hidden by lath-and-plaster. The roof structure is virtually identical to that of the southern end of the adjacent Hall Range, and the tree-ring analysis indicates that they are contemporary.

SignificanceSignificant with respect to the current use of the building.


Management issuesMonitoring and maintenance.

SourcesNone

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conservation management plan st briavels castle, gloucestershire, uk

Documents