02 – Pentire Point to Widemouth

Bottreaux Castle

Kastel Boterel

Bottreaux Castle is a Norman motte and bailey fort near the centre of Boscastle.

Bottreaux Castle

Periods

History

Timeline

1154-1189

Norman Period

The castle was probably built during the middle of the 12th century by the Bottreaux family.

1478

Medieval Period

By 1478 its status as a castle has diminished and the site was falling into disrepair. Several writers recorded its description in the following centuries, its condition deteriorating further into the earthworks we see today.

1974

20th Century

Bottreaux Castle was designated a Scheduled Monument, protected by law for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

2024

Modern Day

The site had fresh interpretation and topographical and geophysical surveys conducted by the Monumental Improvement Project, increasing our understanding of the monument and its role in Cornwall's rich heritage.

Overview

This scheduled monument is the remains of a motte and bailey castle built during the Norman period, which begun with the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066. The castle was originally the residence of the Bottreaux family, one of the most important in medieval Cornwall, who settled here during the reign of Henry II (1154-1189). The settlement of Boscastle is named after the Bottreaux’s castle.

These fortifications were introduced by the Normans to control rebellious populations following their invasion of Britain. The new Norman elite were keen to reward the loyalty of local nobility, as well as establish centres of administration, where law could be enforced and taxes collected. Bottreaux Castle is one of over 600 motte and bailey castles recorded in Britain.

The motte is unusual as it is built into the top of a natural spur of land between the Treforda Water stream and River Jordan, with the very steep slope leading down to the waterways. The stone keep which once sat atop the motte would have had wide views across the Jordan Valley to the River Valency and Boscastle Harbour. The northern half of the motte survives comparatively well, with a small bank at the top suggesting a possible building. The keep presumably stood in the area now built over with residential housing and the gardens nearby could still contain the remains of buildings associated with the castle . The southern edge of the motte was probably separated from the hills beyond by a ditch across the spur. If so, any remaining trace of this is now beneath the houses and gardens in Fore street – as is the likely location of the bailey.

The site is owned and cared for by Forrabury and Minster Parish Council.

Bottreaux Castle was part of Cornwall National Landscape’s A Monumental Improvement Project, which aimed to ensure that 40 scheduled monuments across Cornwall National Landscape were better protected, identified and enjoyed by a wider range of people. Between 2022 – 2025, the Project delivered conservation repairs, installed new heritage interpretation signage, ran a range of community volunteering events and developed new website resources. The Project was primarily funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from our other partners – Cornwall Council, Historic England, The National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society.

Historical Significance

Though the original castle dates from the Norman period, it is not mentioned in written documents until 1284. The site remained the property of the Bottreaux family up until 1462 when the last Lord of Bottreaux was killed in battle during the War of the Roses and the castle fell into decay.

Several writers have mentioned Bottreaux Castle in the centuries since, tracking the monuments fall into ruins.

William Worcester, an English antiquary known for his detailed writings on medieval England, journeyed through the land in c.1478 and described the castle as a “Manor house”.
John Leland, an English poet and antiquary, visited in 1538, stating it was unworthy to call it a castle and that the people called it “the Courte”.
Richard Carew, historian and High Sheriff of Cornwall, writing around 1600, suggested the castle was a prison with “rooms no longer discernible in the mound”.
By 1852 a surveyor named Maclaughlan found that, although some walls were found, only about half of the castle motte was still visible.

Today, Bottreaux Castle stands as one of a limited number of early post Norman Conquest monuments to survive comparatively well, as the motte and bailey fortification was eventually superseded by other types of castles. Bottreaux Castle is an important example of Norman influence on Cornwall and has the potential to contribute to the study of Norman Britain and the development of the feudal system. It may contain archaeological evidence relating to its construction and local significance, as well as its social, political, and economic function, through to its final abandonment.

Visuals

Bottreaux Castle

Panoramas

From this high view above Boscastle, it’s easy to see why the Normans chose this spot for a castle. Nestled between steep valleys, rivers and rolling green hills, Bottreaux Castle once stood watch over the land and sea. Though only part of the motte survives today, its commanding position is still clear and the views are just as impressive now as they were nearly 1,000 years ago.

Bottreaux Castle Detail

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Bottreaux Castle Landscape

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Protect

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Features of Interest

The most striking feature still visible at Bottreaux Castle is the motte, the raised earth mound where the wooden or stone keep would have once stood. What makes it special is its setting. The motte here rises from a natural ridge between two rivers, making it both easier to defend and dramatic to look at. From the top, you’d have been able to see right across the valley and out towards Boscastle Harbour.

Although some of the original castle has vanished beneath modern buildings, you can still spot part of the motte and a low bank at the top that hints at where buildings once stood. The rest of the site including the bailey, where people lived and worked is probably hidden under the houses and gardens along Fore Street. Even so, what survives helps us imagine the scale and clever positioning of this once-mighty Norman stronghold.

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Local Flora & Fauna

The landscape around Bottreaux Castle is rich in wildlife. The wooded valleys and riverbanks are home to birds like dippers and grey wagtails, while buzzards often circle overhead. In spring and summer, the meadows fill with wildflowers, attracting butterflies and bees. You might spot foxgloves, ferns and mosses growing in the shady, damp spots near the streams. This mix of habitats, rivers, woodland and open fields makes the area a peaceful haven for both people and nature.

How Visitors Can Help

Visitors can help protect Bottreaux Castle by sticking to paths, not climbing on the motte and leaving plants and wildlife undisturbed. Taking litter home and respecting nearby homes and gardens also makes a big difference. Every small action helps keep this special place safe for future generations to explore and enjoy.

Efforts and Challenges

Looking after Bottreaux Castle means balancing protection with access. Because much of the site lies beneath modern houses and gardens, it can’t be fully explored or excavated. Erosion, weather and plant growth also pose challenges to the surviving earthworks. Ongoing efforts focus on monitoring the condition of the motte, raising awareness of its importance and working with the local community to care for this hidden piece of history.

Cornwall National Landscape’s Monumental Improvement project commissioned a geophysical survey of the monument, as well as a new on-site interpretation board to raise awareness and understanding of the monument.

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Translation Explanation

Bottreaux Castle becomes Kastel Boterel in Cornish. It means kastel – castle & Boterel – Norman family name.

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Directions

Grid Ref: SX0995390847

Find with what3words: budgeted.sank.undertook

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Get Involved

Bottreaux Castle is a unique piece of Cornwall’s Norman past and you can help protect its story for the future. From supporting conservation work to getting involved in local heritage events and educational activities, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply want to give something back to the community, your time and passion can make a real difference.

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Give a little back by volunteering

Cornwall National Landscape is a non-profit organisation that conserves the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Cornwall. Volunteering for the protected landscape provides a rewarding experience of giving back to the community and preserving the Cornwall's natural beauty.

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Dig In...

Discover a wealth of knowledge in our Resources section, where you can download detailed research documents, reports, and source material compiled by our archaeology team to enhance your understanding of the site.

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