Definition: **
Shotwick Castle is a medieval motte-and-bailey castle located near the village of Shotwick in Cheshire, England. It was constructed in the late 11th or early 12th century as part of the Norman defensive network.
**
**Shotwick Castle**
**Definition:**
Shotwick Castle is a medieval motte-and-bailey castle located near the village of Shotwick in Cheshire, England. It was constructed in the late 11th or early 12th century as part of the Norman defensive network.
**Article:**
## History
Shotwick Castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest to secure the border between England and Wales. It served as a strategic fortification to control the surrounding area and protect against Welsh incursions. The castle was likely constructed by the de Shotwick family or their Norman overlords.
## Structure
The castle originally featured a wooden keep situated on a raised earthwork known as a motte, accompanied by an enclosed courtyard or bailey. Over time, the wooden structures were replaced or supplemented by stone buildings, although much of the castle now lies in ruins.
## Present Day
Today, Shotwick Castle is a scheduled ancient monument. The site is primarily earthworks, with limited visible remains, and is accessible to the public. It offers insight into Norman military architecture and medieval border defenses.
**Meta Description:**
Shotwick Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle in Cheshire, England, built to defend the border with Wales. The site remains an important historical monument with visible earthworks.