Detailed Analysis Of The Mortimer Family Of Wigmore Castle Between 1066 And 1181 Together With Footnotes To The Original Sources. A Detailed Description Of The Castle Site And Its Environs From 1068 To 1645 And Its Development, With Tables Of The Mortimer 1086 Landholdings In England And Wales. Includes 24 Pre-Excavation Black And White Photos, 3 Sketches, 3 Maps, 2 Plans And 1 Genealogical Table Of The Mortimers. Overview; Wigmore castle is one of the largest and, at the time of writing, most neglected sites along the Welsh frontier. History; The foundation and design of Wigmore castle by William Fitz Osbern around 1070 is examined and also the setting up of the associated castellany which later became the Mortimer honour of Wigmore. The violent campaigns of the Mortimers in England, Normandy and Wales are closely followed with emphasis on their unique position amongst the Marchers of Wales. Many campaigns were fought by them against Welsh princes, English kings and baronial opponents, one of which resulted in Ralph Mortimer losing control of Wigmore barony to Pain Fitz John. Hugh Mortimer (d.1

181) in fact became so powerful that his lands were totally exempt from royal interference after his semi-successful rebellion against King Henry II in 1155. Genealogy; The first two English Mortimers to hold the barony, Ralph and Hugh (d.1181) and their Norman predecessors are examined in minute detail as too are their English landholdings. Archaeology; The castle is explored and explained with many photos taken before the recent English Heritage repair work at the site. Two possible 'siege castles' are also described with reference to the present stately pile and its probable construction dates. The castle consists of a tower keep, shell keep, gatehouse, four mural towers and deep and impressive ditches.