John O'Gaunts Castle

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John O'Gaunts Castle, previously known as "Castle Manor" and "Bassingbourn Manor", is the earthwork remains of a fortified manor house, located in Bassingbourn cum Kneesworth, a civil parish in Cambridgeshire, England, one mile west-soutwest of Bassingbourn Barracks, off of Fen Road. (grid reference TL325451).

[edit] History

After the Norman invasion in 1066, Comte Alan of Brittany was given the desirable Bassingbourn Manor, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. His descendant, Warin De Bassingbourne (born 1225) received permission to fortify Bassingbourn Manor in October 1266. He fortified the manor into a double moated enclosure castle, which he named "Castle Manor". Today it is known as John O'Gaunts castle. From the mid 1400's to the 1600's, Castle Manor was owned by the Lynne family.

Facing John O'Gaunts castle over the Fillance, an open space then called the Kyllands, is Richmond Manor, which was owned by the monarch, or a close family member. One such owner was John of Gaunt. Another owner was Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII.

[edit] Present

In December 1999, English Heritage scheduled the site, meriting recognition because it had been a double moated manor house. Part of the moat has recently received attention from the village conservation group, who have cleared the banks.