Upton Castle

The early history of Upton Castle is shrouded in mystery. Originally known as Ucceton, Ockendon, Octon, Oucheton or Openton the castle was built on a site of early Celtic Christian worship; the Christian burials in the area surrounding the Chapel are radio carbon dated by Time Team to 1010-1160. Time Team discovered evidence of an Apse, a typical feature of Norman Romanesque churches built in 12 th century. By 1188, the existence of chapel at Upton is noted by Gerald of Wales In 1800, upon the death of John Tasker, the estate devolved on his three nieces and eventually settled on Maria, a grand-niece who married firstly the Rev.Thomas Woods and, secondly, the Rev. William Evan, of Hook…

Too small to be described as castle in the strict sense of the word, most sources refer to it as a "fortified mansion" although its towers are unusually strong in comparison with other examples. The medieval portion of the exterior stands to the north east of the range, which is dominated by three early towers, separated by short sections of curtain wall and surmounted by a plain parapet on corbels. Surviving internal medieval features include two fireplaces, a spiral staircase and a vaulted ceiling. It is a Grade II listed building.