Beaumont Castle

Beaumont Castle stands in Mixbury, Oxfordshire, on a natural promontory above a local stream. Built after the Norman invasion, it was likely a motte and bailey or ringwork castle constructed by Roger d’Ivry. The name Beaumont means ‘beautiful hill’ in Norman French, describing its elevated position. By 1216 the castle had already been abandoned, leaving only earthworks and foundations. In 1954 two London brothers claimed to have found a dungeon and underground passage during private excavations. Scholars, however, dispute the discovery and the site remains unexcavated today. The castle’s brief history reflects the turbulent early years after the Norman Conquest. Roger d’Ivry, a loyal supporter of William the Conqueror, built the fortification to control the surrounding land. Its position on a promontory gave it a clear view over the valley and stream below. After abandonment the site gradually merged back into the landscape, leaving little visible trace. The scheduled monument status protects what remains from further disturbance. Visitors find a quiet field with low earthworks marking the castle’s former layout. A footpath crosses the site, offering glimpses of the raised motte and surrounding ditches. The stream still flows at the foot of the promontory, echoing the original defensive purpose. From the top there are wide views across the Oxfordshire countryside. The absence of modern intrusions lets the medieval remains speak for themselves.