Bramber Castle

of Bramber Castle, now overgrown and much reduced in height]] Surveys indicate the Normans were the first to build a fortification in the area, around 1070. It served as the administrative hub of the newly created Rape of Bramber, and controlled the River Adur estuary. The castle was held by William de Braose, 1st Lord of Bramber, whose family originated from Falaise. During the First Barons' War, King John (r. 1199–1216) gave instructions to demolished Knepp Castle in the same county and to use its resources to reinforce Bramber Castle. Except for a short period when it was confiscated by King John, the castle remained in the de Braose family, until the male line died out in 1326, and it…

Little survives of the original structure, as much of the stone was later used to construct the bridge, and other buildings in the village. The castle was excavated in 1966–1967, with another minor survey in 1987; these indicate most of it was built between 1073 and 1130. The addition of an outer ditch around 1209 caused the collapse of much of the original curtain wall in the early 16th century. ca 1642]] The most prominent remaining feature is the gatehouse tower, which still stands to almost its full height; a window, and floor joist holes are clearly visible. Beyond it are the foundations of what is believed to have been the living quarters and a guardhouse. The original gatehouse…