Laxton Castle

The dogs and I explored the old earthwork remains of a Norman castle today, pictured above in the distance It's motte (mound) is the largest in Nottinghamshire, at 22 metres high and 37 metres across the top.

Much fun for all apart from the bath that Enzo had to endure having rolled in some pungent and liquid cow dung. So dirty he was bathed twice!

History
The motte-and-bailey castle was probably constructed in the 11th century. It later had an outer bailey and castle added added probably by the Norman, Robert de Caux. He was appointed hereditary Keeper of Sherwood Forest in the 12th century and hosted many royal visitors.

In the 1230s the castle and responsibility for Sherwood Forest passed to the de Everingham family. In 1286 Robert de Everingham was imprisoned at Nottingham for trespass on the King's deer he had been poaching.

Motte and Bailey defn
A motte is a raised mound or earthwork, with a stone or wooden keep on top. A bailey is an enclosed courtyard that was protected by a ditch and a palisade (a wall made from wooden stakes).