Gold In The Moat (Codnor Castle) | S15E01 | Time Team

Time Team Classics・2 minutes read

Codnor Castle in Derbyshire, with its medieval history and ongoing renovation, presents a mystery surrounding its original appearance and purpose. The excavation efforts reveal remnants of the castle, dating back to the 12th century, hinting at a grand entrance, skilled craftsmanship, and a rich historical legacy.

Insights

  • Codnor Castle in Derbyshire, undergoing renovation, presents a unique opportunity to unearth its medieval history and purpose, despite uncertainties about its original appearance.
  • Discoveries at Codnor Castle, including remnants like a drawbridge pit and stone carvings, along with dating evidence pointing to a rich history dating back to the 12th century, underscore the site's significance and complexity in medieval times.

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Recent questions

  • What is the history of Codnor Castle?

    Codnor Castle in Derbyshire has a rich history dating back to the 12th century, possibly linked to the Norman conquest. The castle underwent various renovations and additions over the centuries, with evidence suggesting it may have been built in the late 17th or early 18th century. The castle was home to the De Greys, with the chamber block believed to be their private quarters. Discoveries of drawbridge pits, stone carvings, and a gold coin offer insights into the castle's grandeur and significance. The castle's history is intertwined with medieval knights and royal favor, making it a fascinating site for exploration and preservation efforts.

  • What are the challenges faced during Codnor Castle's excavation?

    The excavation team at Codnor Castle faces challenges due to historical mining activities in the surrounding parkland. Locating mines within the castle walls is difficult, as extensive mining has taken place in the area. Additionally, the team encounters puzzles and uncertainties regarding the castle's original appearance and structures. Preservation efforts by UK Coal and English Heritage aim to stabilize the castle against collapse, highlighting the importance of careful excavation and conservation practices.

  • What significant discoveries have been made at Codnor Castle?

    Excavations at Codnor Castle have revealed various significant discoveries, including remnants of the castle such as a gateway, chamber block, and drawbridge pit. Stone carvings, a gold coin, and a buckle fitting made of copper suggest the castle's grandeur and the high status of its inhabitants. The team has uncovered garden features, a monumental entrance, and a large staircase, providing insights into the castle's evolving landscape and architectural elements. These discoveries shed light on the castle's history and the lives of those who inhabited it.

  • Who were the notable figures associated with Codnor Castle?

    Codnor Castle was home to the De Greys, a prominent family who resided in the chamber block believed to be their private quarters. Henry de Gray, a colorful character surviving wars of the roses, practiced alchemy and entertained King Edward I in the great hall. The Zeuses transformed the castle into an industrial empire, making significant changes to its northern end. These notable figures played a role in shaping the history and evolution of Codnor Castle, leaving behind a legacy that is being uncovered through archaeological excavations.

  • What architectural features have been uncovered at Codnor Castle?

    The excavation team at Codnor Castle has uncovered various architectural features, including a gateway, chamber block, drawbridge pit, and round tower. Stone carvings, demi-columns, and coping stones add to the castle's grandeur and skilled craftsmanship. The team has also revealed garden features, a large staircase, and a possible drain for the drawbridge, showcasing the castle's historical evolution and structural elements. These architectural discoveries provide valuable insights into the castle's design, construction, and significance in medieval times.

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Summary

00:00

Uncovering the Mysteries of Codnor Castle

  • Codnor Castle in Derbyshire was a medieval stronghold where knights fought in various battles, but its exact appearance is unknown.
  • The castle is undergoing renovation, offering a chance to uncover its history and purpose.
  • Situated on the border of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, the castle is surrounded by parkland that has been mined extensively.
  • The team faces challenges in locating mines within the castle walls due to historical mining activities.
  • Initial excavations reveal remnants of the castle, including a gateway and chamber block, with certain walls surviving.
  • Trenches are dug to uncover the oldest part of the castle and investigate the lower court and earthworks.
  • Preservation efforts by UK Coal and English Heritage aim to stabilize the castle's structure against collapse.
  • The chamber block, believed to be the private quarters of the De Greys, is being explored for missing walls and important rooms.
  • Dating evidence suggests the castle may have been built in the late 17th or early 18th century, with the first mention dating back to 1308.
  • Discoveries of a drawbridge pit and intricate stone carvings hint at a grand entrance and skilled craftsmanship at Codnor Castle.

14:38

"Medieval mystery of Codnor Castle revealed"

  • The team is investigating Codnor Castle in Derbyshire, unsure of its original appearance.
  • A buckle fitting made of copper is found, possibly from a belt, indicating high status.
  • Evidence suggests the castle's history dates back to the 12th century, possibly linked to Norman conquest.
  • A drawbridge pit is discovered, potentially part of an earlier entrance tower predating round towers.
  • A radar survey indicates a potential structure nine meters wide, prompting excavation.
  • The gateway, built around 1300, replaced the drawbridge and tower, with walls on the west and north missing.
  • A stone pier and possible second bridge or causeway are speculated near the drawbridge.
  • Dating evidence from the castle's gateway aligns with a period of royal favor for medieval knights.
  • Semi-circular stones confuse the team, possibly serving as demi-columns or coping stones.
  • Phasing reveals medieval phases of the castle, with the earliest structures dating to around 1300.

29:08

"Uncovering Codnor Castle's Hidden History"

  • The archaeology at Codnor Castle suggests earlier structures pre-dating 1308, possibly another castle or fortified manor.
  • A monumental entrance with a drawbridge indicates a significant structure.
  • The staircase discovered is much larger than a typical stairwell, possibly part of a larger structure.
  • Day two ends with the team facing puzzles, shifting focus to finding evidence of the earliest castle phases in the moat and exploring the interior rooms.
  • Day three starts with the team uncovering the first drawbridge ever dug on Time Team, dating back to the early 14th century.
  • The castle experts suggest the drawbridge predates the towers from the early 14th century, prompting further dating investigations.
  • The team uncovers garden features from the final phase of the castle, hinting at the castle's evolving landscape over the centuries.
  • Henry de Gray, a colorful character surviving wars of the roses, practiced alchemy and left no heirs, leading to the end of his lineage.
  • The Zeuses transformed Codnor Castle into an industrial empire, making significant changes to the castle's northern end.
  • The team uncovers a gold coin in the moat, potentially offering valuable dating evidence and insights into the castle's history.

43:49

Castle Tower and Moat Uncovered

  • Richard believes the round tower was added to the west wall of the castle around the same time as the second gatehouse, possibly for Edward II's visit in 1322. He also identifies the first-floor great hall, where Henry de Gray entertained King Edward I, revealing a single large room with no upper chambers.
  • The team uncovers the moat area, exposing the tower's front face and a possible drain for the drawbridge. They reveal the moat's dimensions, the abutment on the other side, and the castle's historical evolution from the 13th to the 16th century, culminating in the estate's bankruptcy due to extravagant renovations.
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