Eye Castle

Eye Castle is a motte and bailey castle constructed between 1066 and 1171. The castle was largely destroyed in the 14th century. A windmill was built on the motte between 1561 and 1562, replaced in 1844 by a house for Sir Edward Kerrison. This house, which suffered damage in 1965 and partial collapse in 1979, is constructed of whole flints with brick piers and dressings, and is now roofless. The plan is an irregular enneagon, incorporating curtain walls with living accommodation to the south and west. To the west side, remnants of a winder staircase to the first floor remain, having collapsed in 1979. The southern end features foundations for three rooms. The curtain wall includes arrow loops. A portion of the late 12th-century flint curtain wall extends northwest down the motte, forming part of the north curtain wall of the inner bailey. Historical records indicate the house was built for Sir Edward Kerrison’s batman, who had previously saved his life at the Battle of Waterloo. The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (county number 6).