Large Motte and Bailey earthwork surmounted by a tower keep castle. The earthwork components probably date to the decades immediately following the Norman Conquest, although it probably replaced an earlier Saxon 'burgh' stronghold (referred to in pre-conquest placename meaning 'Kings Stronghold). Locations for the earlier burgh have been suggested as the present castle site (Cumberpatch and Robbins 1998, 11) or at the site of the church on another hill (Thompson 1971, 1). The stone castle probably dates to 1180-90 (ibid, 2) with the building thought to have fallen into ruin from the mid 15th century onwards. Unknown legibility of the landscape before construction of the Motte and Bailey. Present site includes features related to the sites' current management as a visitor attraction including new floors and roof within the keep, a 'temporary' visitors centre built on a concrete raft rather than using intrusive foundations and walkways and fencing.