Title: The Remarkable History of Old Wolverton Castle
Old Wolverton Castle – a name that conjures images of a time long gone. This Norman motte and bailey castle is a symbol of power and defence, built in the late 11th century by Manno le Breton, who was granted the land by William the Conqueror for his support during the invasion in 1066. But it wasn’t until Manno’s son or grandson built the castle that it truly became a stronghold.
The castle was built during a time of great turmoil – the Anarchy, when the English throne was being fought over by Stephen and Mathilda. The purpose was clear – to protect the land and people from invaders and to show their strength as rulers. And so, the castle stood strong for centuries, until it was abandoned and left to the mercy of time.
The deserted village surrounding the castle is a reminder of the bustling community that once called Old Wolverton home. The earthworks are extensive and well preserved, with identifiable roadways, house platforms, boundaries, and field systems. According to the Domesday Book, the village had 50 households and an estimated population of 250 in 1086, making it relatively large for the time.
While little is known about the peasants who lived here, we know more about the owners of the manor – the Barons of Wolverton. While some historians dismiss the family as a “feeble lot,” their legacy remains in the continued ownership of the land for centuries – until the Radcliffe Trust acquired it in the 1700s. John Radcliffe, the doctor to the monarchy, owned part of Stony Stratford and the manor here, along with Stacey Hill Farm, where the Milton Keynes Museum stands today.
Old Wolverton Castle may be abandoned, but the history lives on. It’s a testament to the power and might of those who ruled during a time of great change in England, and an opportunity for us to learn from the past.