Recently removed from Historic England’s “At Risk” Register following restoration work, this is a rare opportunity to visit the remains of one of the castles built by the Bishop of Winchester in the reign of King Stephen.
Recently removed from Historic England’s “At Risk” Register, following restoration work by Home Farm Estate and Historic England, this is a rare opportunity to visit the remains of one of the castles built by Henri de Blois, Bishop of Winchester and brother of King Stephen during the tumultuous years of “The Anarchy” that ended the Norman era in England.
Although the ramparts date back to pre-history the castle was built around 1138 but lasted only until the accession of Henry II. For the next four hundred years it was the manorial court for the Manor of Merdon and a palace from which the bishop could enjoy hunting in Hursley Park. Largely forgotten for the next five hundred years, as the focus shifted to Hursley Park House, it has remained little changed since the Eighteenth century, covered in ivy and hidden within the park. Now, cleared and the walls stabilized, it is possible to imagine what the castle would have looked like and wonder what the soldiers who visited it from the Army Camps in and around it in WWI and WWII would have thought.
Talks on the history of the site and what we know of the castle will be given throughout the day.
Event Times
Thursday 12 September: 11:00am-1:00pm and 2:00-4:00pm
Friday 13 September: 11:00am-1:00pm and 2:00-4:00pm
Booking Information
Pre-booking: Required
Address & Directions
Merdon Castle, Merdon Castle Lane, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2JH
Merdon Castle is half-way up Merdon Castle Lane from Standon. Access is via gate on southern side of the lane and involves a short walk from parking (in field) to the castle.
Additional Information
30 max per session. 2 hours.
Merdon Castle is in open countryside accessed along uneven paths, with steep earth ramparts. Suitable strong footwear and appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions is essential. The site is accessed via a narrow country road with limited on-site parking. There are no amenities on site and care must be taken whilst on the site, particularly if the ground is wet.
Merdon Castle is a scheduled monument.
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Organised by:
Home Farm Hursley
Header Image: Tower at Merdon Castle_Credit David Key