Remains Of Castle On Castle Site

The remains of a castle, founded around 1100 for the Bishops of Hereford, consist of defensive walls that now stand between 20 and 3 feet high amid significant earthworks. The walls are made of coursed limestone rubble. The original layout featured a motte and bailey design. Some masonry is believed to date from the 14th century, while a 12th-century buttress can be identified at the grid reference SO 32382 89048. Sections of the walls can be found behind properties at Nos. 10-20 (even) Market Square (with Nos. 10 and 20 not listed), Nos. 2-8 (even) Welsh Street, and behind Nos. 1-5 (odd) Bull Street (with Nos. 3 and 5 not listed), which also borders the Public Park on the east side. The motte is partially surrounded by a rebuilt retaining wall that includes sections of medieval masonry. Notably, the best-preserved section is located to the north-east, integrated into a wall that extends both to the north-west and south-east (neither extension is included in this listing). Other walls that may date from the medieval period include a stretch between the south-east corner of the motte and the middle of the bailey. The top of the motte has been leveled to create a bowling green with a summerhouse. In the bailey, various buildings, mostly constructed after 1700, illustrate how the castle was allowed to fall into disrepair by the end of the 17th century.