GC2CNP4 Rothwell Castle (Traditional Cache) in Yorkshire, United Kingdom created by Magpie Guy

This cache has been archived.

Dalesman: This cache has been disabled for some time and as the owner has not repaired it I am archiving it.

Guidelines:[i] "You are responsible for occasional visits to your cache to maintain proper working order, especially when someone reports a problem with the cache (missing, damaged, wet, etc.). You may temporarily disable your cache to let others know not to search for it until you have a chance to fix the problem. This feature is to allow you a reasonable amount of time - normally a few weeks - in which to check on your cache. If a cache is not being maintained, or has been temporarily disabled for an unreasonable length of time, we may archive the listing."[/i]

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Many thanks, 
DalesmanX

Volunteer UK Reviewer 
Yorkshire & NE England 
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GC2CNP4 ▼

A cache by Magpie Guy Message this owner

Hidden : 8/3/2010

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Rothwell's very own castle...

A small clipbox cache big enough for small swaps and GCs hidden near to the site of Rothwell Castle. The original building dates back to the 13th century though in reality it was probably a little less grand than a castle - more a lodge or manor. The title of "castle" may have arisen because the manor was once protected by a perimeter ditch and palisade to keep intruders out, though it would not have withstood an attack by a properly equipped military force.

Rothwell Manor c 1955
(only the stone column seen to the left remains)

The manor is believed to have been built by Ilbert de Lacy on land granted to him by William the Conqueror in recognition of his services in the Battle of Hastings. It was later owned by the local noble John O'Gaunt. Under de Lacy the nearby wooded area of Rothwell Haigh (from Old English word haga meaning enclosure) was used as a hunting park. Local lords visited the park to hunt the many wild boar and deer for sport and as a source of table meat. The park was also used for hunting by medieval kings who would visit regularly. King John is said to have stayed at the manor in 1212 as did Edward II in 1319 and 1323. However stocks were over-hunted to such an extent that John O'Gaunt was reported to have killed the last wild boar in 1398. (The connection to boar hunting in the area is why wild boar appeared on the old Rothwell council coat of arms.)

From around 1360 the manor was leased and this change combined with its gradual loss of importance as a hunting lodge resulted in the building going into ruin over the next 100 years. In 1487 Henry VII granted the manor to Roger Hopton on condition that he replaced the old buildings which had fallen into ruin.

A survey in 1628 said "the Manor House ..hath longe since been decaied and a little one builded instead". The building continued to be used as part of a farm (known as Manor Farm) until the timber framed building was dismantled in December 1976. A single stone column remains which could be part of the original medieval construction (possibly one corner of the chapel) and pre-dating the later timber frame structure.

A geophysical survey by Archaeological Services WYAS revealed the existence of several buried features which may be the remains of wall foundations. The site is still one of national importance and has been scheduled as an Ancient Monument to give it a measure of legal protection.

More images of the manor and its demolition are available here on the Leodis photographic archive of Leeds

Although the cache is placed outside the designated area, it is close to an area designated as a scheduled ancient monument. Please do not climb the fencing in an attempt to enter the site.

If any of you local historians have any more information or photos of Rothwell Castle then please send a note and I'll happily incorporate this into the information above.

I recommend parking at the small free car part at N 53 44.956 W 001 28.853 and then following the path westwards parallel along the north bank of the River Dolphin stream. At the start of the path you will also find an information board with further details of the manor and Rothwell. This route will also take you past the remaining stone column.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Haqre gur fznyy fbyvgnel unjgubea ohfu.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)