Castle Acre was inherited by William de Warenne, one of the companions of William the Conqueror who fought alongside him at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Like all of the castles appearing over England at this time, it was a motte and bailey construction, a design and concept brought to England by the Normans to establish their rule over the land and its people.
The remains of the stone keep at Castle Acre date in part from the 11th century, with additional 12th century remains established during the time of The Anarchy, when England plunged into civil war, and defence became necessary.
When the castle passed to the Earls of Arundel in the 14th century, it was already a ruin. What remains is a rare and complete example of a Norman planned settlement, with some of the finest defensive earthworks in England.
And some credits...
Go Visit Castles would like to extend sincere thanks to the following people, whose incredible reconstructions of Castle Acre were an awesome aid in telling our story. Thanks guys, couldn't find you anywhere online, but they name their work 'Fiefdom' should you wish to search it. We would have asked but hope the shout out will suffice.
polycount.com/discussion/1975...