Lay Siege to Horsley Castle Traditional Geocache
Lay Siege to Horsley Castle
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A stone's throw from the busy A38, but 700 years apart! This ruin, hidden in trees on a small hill, is a truly forgotten relic from our rich heritage. A short hike up from the road, or as part of a circular walk, this long since neglected castle is well worth a visit.
In medieval times stone built castles existed at a number of sites just north of Derby including Duffield, Codnor, Mackworth and Horsley. At Mackworth a 15th century gatehouse can still be seen, but sadly most of the other sites are in a very advanced state of decay. Horsley Castle (once called Horeston or Horston Castle) stands on a hill between the villages of Horsley and Coxbench. On dark days it has a moody and foreboding feel, hidden in its cloak of trees.
Be careful, particularly if you venture in at night, as there are some dangerous drops and old quarry workings in the area if you wander off the paths.
The stones and trees may affect your GPS a little, but walk down into the hollow in front of the castle's rock face and you won't be far away.
This 12th century Norman built castle started life as a motte and bailey stockade built under the direction of Ralf de Buron. In the 13th century King John took an interest and the stone castle was added which included a chapel, barbican and gatehouse. King John would from time to time break his journey at this royal castle when travelling through the area. By the end of the 16th century the castle was already in ruins. Sadly the area was later ravaged by quarrying, which obliterated much of the site. Today all that remains of this once great castle are parts of the keep, with its deep ditches, along with fragments of wall built onto an imposing outcrop of rock. The site is listed as a 'building at risk' on English Heritage's 'heritage at risk' register.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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