Legend:
Easy = an urban site, or a rural site directly by the side of the road.
Moderate = up to 1 Km walk over fairly level ground.
Difficult = up to 1 Km walk over hilly ground, or more than 1 Km walk over fairly level ground.
Very Difficult = more than 1 Km walk over hilly ground, or some scrambling involved.
NB. For sites rated as “Difficult” and “Very Difficult” you are strongly advised to wear proper walking boots and to carry a large scale map and compass, or GPS device.
Deddington Castle is a large and impressive Motte and Baily Earthwork Castle. A substantial earthwork encloses an area of c. 3.4 hectares, with an inner baily at the east end enclosing an area of c. 0.4 hectares.
The castle was constructed shortly after the Norman Conquest, and it was almost certainly built for Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux.
The Motte itself has suffered somewhat, having been partly demolished as part of the restructuring of the castle in the 12th century, and it was further dug away in the early 20th century for the construction of rifle butts.
Original excavations by Professor E. M. Jope between 1947 and 1951, and further work was carried out by Queens University, Belfast between 1977 and 1979. I have a nostalgic liking for the site, having taken part in these latter excavations.
The excavations revealed a late Saxon stone building pre-dating the castle and Anglo-Saxon artefacts, although little is known of the nature of this phase of occupation.
You can find a summary of the excavations in PDF format here...
