Montfichet’s Castle Almost a next-door neighbour to Baynard’s Castle, this Norman fortification once stood on Ludgate Hill from the 11th Century. This raised ground near the confluence of the Fleet and Thames would have had natural strategic importance. According to John Stow, a 16th century historian, antiquarian and author of The Survey of London, the castle was named after the Baron of Mountfichet, who came to England during the Norman Conquest. Archaeological work was undertaken in the area by the Museum of London between 1986 and 1990. It found ditches thought to be the southern defences of the tower, on the north side of Carter Lane between numbers 52–66 running east to west. The dig also found what signs of a bailey between other ditches, although no masonry was found. Further evidence of the castle can also be adduced from the local road names. The Old Bailey is believed to have been named after the bailey of the castle and, in turn, has also lent its name to the Central Law Courts – more commonly known as the Old Bailey. There is also now an office building at 29 Ludgate Hill called Montfichet House. The castle was demolished by castle-killer, King John, following the 1212 Conspiracy. The site was sold as part of a Baynard’s/Monfichet’s castle package to the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Kilwardby, in 1275 for the precinct of the great Dominican Priory at Blackfriars.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 18:47:34 +0000
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