Tuesday, 20 April 2010

Coventry Castle

Coventry Castle was a motte and bailey castle in the city of Coventry, England.

It was built in the 11th century by Ranulf Meschines, Earl of Chester, probably out of wood initially. Its first known use was during The Anarchy when Robert Marmion, a supporter of King Stephen, expelled the monks from the adjacent priory of Saint Mary and converted it into a fortress from which he waged a battle against the Earl. Marmion perished in the battle.

Coventry Castle was first mentioned in 1147, when those loyal to the king retreated to its defences during a siege by Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester. After the siege was lifted, King Stephen destroyed the castle, however it was probably later repaired as it was described as a viable fortification in 1182.

Despite Coventry's position at one of the most important road intersection in England, a castle was built there relatrively late on.
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