Mountfitchet Castle

   The site is believed to have been an Iron Age fort (similar to Thetford and Colchester), then, over time like most other settlements, it became overrun by Romans, then Vikings then Saxons.

By 1066 it was in the hands of a Robert Grenon, who constructed a motte-and-bailey (presumably, as they didn't take long to build), with the later being replaced in stone in the 12th century.

   At some point the surname Grenon was changed to Montfitchet, and Robert's great-great grandson Richard was one of the barons who rose against King John and was thus the cause of an attack on the castle. And, surprisingly, was also one of the barons who ensured Magna Carta was recognised in 1215 (infamously at Runnymede). The above picture shows how much is left of the 12th century masonry, and we can only imagine what it once looked like. Shame, really.  

   These days, Mountfitchet Castle is a living history site where you're able to experience what it might have been like for common folk over 900 years ago. There are animals roaming about (including a peahen), and even though it's aimed at children I as an adult and an amateur historian got a lot out of it.