Wymondley Castle

Wymondley Castle stands in the village of Great Wymondley near Hitchin in Hertfordshire. It is a ruined motte-and-bailey castle with only earthworks remaining. The site forms part of a group of unlicensed castles in the county, including Pirton and Therfield. The Argentein family, Norman lords of the manor, may have built it in the 12th century. Nearby St Mary’s Church dates from the same period and is linked to their estate. The castle occupies a rectangular manorial enclosure that Historic England suggests could date back to Roman times. Evidence of Roman occupation has been found on the site. Archaeologists believe further investigation is needed to understand its full history. The remains are protected as an ancient monument under the name Great Wymondley Castle. Visitors find a quiet grassy mound surrounded by low earthworks. The site lies 20 metres east of St Mary’s Church in Great Wymondley. The open landscape offers a view of the church’s 12th-century architecture. The area remains undisturbed, allowing the shape of the old castle to be clearly seen. The protected status keeps the site free from modern development.