It was a beautiful warm, sunny evening when a party of us visited the ancient ruins of Burgh Castle. We were fortunate to be guided by two ladies who had a host of information to share with us.
After meeting at the village hall, we walked about half-a-mile to the site to be greeted by the magnificent sight of the castle, far larger than was imaginable. It was originally built as part of the defensive system along the east coast to protect against the Saxon invasion. It housed a garrison of approximately 1000 soldiers, or if a cavalry, of 500 soldiers together with horses.
The castle was built before Great Yarmouth came into existence and was on the south side of a promontory above the estuary, (now Breydon Water). Caister castle was built on the north side. The area was a lot different than it is today. Burgh Castle was then on the coast. It now overlooks the marshes and the Berney Arms windmill.
The three remaining walls are about five feet thick and fifteen feet high with bastions/watchtowers, the south wall is the best-preserved section. The walls are made of flint, Roman red tiles, conglomerate and held together with mortar, an innovation by the Romans.
After the Romas left, the walls were looted for building materials leaving the castle in a poor state. Then in the 11th century the Norman’s arrived and built a Motte and Bailey fort on the south side of the castle.
We finished our walk with a visit to Burgh Castle church of St Peter and St Paul, a Saxo/Norman 11th century round towered church with fine stained-glass windows in the nave and chancel.
It was a lovely evening and enjoyed by all.