Castle Hill & Darrow Wood
(The following text is taken from the information board at the entrance to Darrow Wood)
The park like field known, by a quirk of history, as Darrow Wood is an unexpected discovery in the midst of the surrounding agricultural landscape. Hidden in the clumps of trees are a number of earthworks. They have been known for a century yet who built them and when or why they were made remains a mystery - this uncertainty, however, adds to the romantic appeal of the place. Please feel free to walk around the field and investigate what is hidden amongst the trees.
The Castle
Immediately in front of you in the largest clump is a moated hollow mound with a banked enclosure attached on the far side. When built the motte or mound would have been topped by a wooden palisade protecting some small buildings or perhaps a more substantial timber tower - this would have formed the main strong point. The bailey or enclosure would have been surrounded by a palisade and would have provided protection for stock, horses and ancillary buildings.
When was it built?
Motte and bailey castles were built by the Normans to secure the conquest of England and as bases from which they could impose their feudal administration. A second spate of construction occured in the mid 12th century during the long civil war between the supporters of King Stephen and those of his cousin Matilda. Unfortunately it is not possible to suggest which period the castle belongs to on evidence of the earthworks alone.
Who built it?
The small scale of Castle Hill contrasts with the huge mottes and baileys found at Castle Acre, Thetford and Norwich. These were the power bases of the great lords, or the King himself, and were enlarged and improved over many years. The small size, simple plan and earth construction of this castle suggests it was only occupied for a short time and by a minor lord.
The part of Denton in which the castle lies was in the hands of the d'Albini family by the end of the 11th century, by the beginning of the 12th century they had made their main stronghold a castle at Old Buckenham, 20 miles west of here. Was Castle Hill a short lived forerunner of Old Buckenham Castle? Alternatively the castle might belong to the anarchy of Stephen's reign by which time Bungay Castle, a few miles east of here, had become a stronghold of Hugh Bigod, one of the major players in the wars of that time. Was the castle built as protection for a tennant of William d'Albini against the supporters of Hugh Bigod.
The name
The name Darrow Wood is written as one of several variants of 'Dearhaugh Wood' in old documents. This name might mean either an enclosure where deer are found or a medieval deer park. Many centuries ago the enclosure or park along witht the castle were absorbed into a wood which became known as Darrow Wood. In about 1860 this wood was felled and converted into fields - you are standing in one of them now. If you look in the hedge on the far (east) side of the field you will find part of the massive bank that surrounded the original Darrow Wood. Subsequently some trees were planted apparently to create a small ornamental park as a suitable backdrop for the mysterious earthworks.
Historical research by Alan Davison of Norfolk Museum Services.
Darrow Wood was acquired by the National Trust in 1990 with the generous help of English Heritage, Norfok County Council and with funds from the Angwin, H S E Smith and Kirkwood bequests. This monument is one of the few well preserved small motte and bailey castles in Norfolk, its acquisition by the National Trust ensures its continued survival. The whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is protected by statute.