Mountfitchet Castle

Description

Welcome to the national award winning Mountfitchet Castle - a unique all-weather, all-in-one heritage entertainment complex where prehistory, history and nostalgia combine to make one great full exciting day out for the whole family.

Mountfitchet Castle is a unique time capsule. With its commanding position overlooking the Stort Valley, Mountfitchet Castle is situated on its original site which is steeped in history. Formerly an Iron Age hill fort, this historic site was also a Roman signals fort and later a Saxon and Viking settlement before being attacked in 1066 by the army William the Conqueror who built a wooden motte and bailey castle here.

This world-famous historically accurate reconstructed castle enables the visitor to travel back in time to 1066 Norman England. Explore the Castle and roam through the Norman Village hidden behind the castle walls, wander in and out of the many houses and view the scenes, smell the log fires burning and experience the ambience of an ancient bygone lifestyle - a living history, hands-on and interactive experience. Mingle with the animals that roam freely throughout the castle grounds and listen out for the echoes of long-forgotten voices...

Artefacts found at the Castle
Over the past few years, many items have been discovered within the Castle grounds. Mainly due to the long hot Summers, the items have come to the surface. In 2003, a very rare Medieval dagger was found in the herb garden, which is located within the inner bailey.

Prior to the Saxon (and later Norman) occupation, the hill top location was a Roman hill fort. A hoard of Roman coins and various pieces of Roman pottery (including high status red Samian ware) have also been found within the Castle grounds.

Visitors and staff alike often find items within the Castle site. These have included Medieval pottery, coins, palisade nails and the occasional horseshoe.

Later items have also been found, including Civil War musket shot and even a cannon ball and Civil War glass bottle!

During the 1939-45 World War II, the Castle's strategic hill top position was used by an anti- aircraft battery to guard the nearby railway line, which was used to transport tanks. Items found include bullet casings and a cap badge.

Opening times
The Castle and Toy Museum are open daily from 8th March to 8th November 2009, 10am-5pm

Admission 2009
Adult £8.50. Child £6.50. Senior Citizens £8.00.
The ticket price includes entrance to The House on the Hill Toy Museum and the Dinosaur Encounters.

Location
Mountfitchet Castle is situated in the village of Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex, only 2 miles from junction 8 of the M11 - just follow the brown tourist signs to the centre of Stansted Mountfitchet village!

By Rail
The Castle is right next to Stansted Mountfitchet train station. Only 40 minutes from London and 35 minutes from Cambridge.

Parking
There is ample parking for both cars and coaches just outside the castle complex.
* The car park is a "pay and display", owned and operated by Uttlesford District Council.
* Current daytime charges for a three hour stay are £1.00 for cars and £6.00 per day for coaches.
* There is no charge on Sundays, Bank Holidays or in the evenings.

Disabled access
We regret that Disabled Access at the Castle is limited. Please call us for full details.

Dogs
As there are numerous animals roaming freely within the grounds, we regret that we are unable to allow dogs at the Castle.