The motte at Thetford Castle stands approximately 20 meters tall and measures 100 meters across at its base.
The castle was primarily built as an earthwork fortification, meaning it never featured a permanent stone keep.
Roger Bigod, a key supporter of William the Conqueror, established the castle following the Norman Conquest.
The site was constructed on the remains of earlier Iron Age defensive earthworks.
It is one of the few surviving examples of a major Norman motte-and-bailey site that retains its original massive scale.
The park is managed by the local council and is permanently accessible as public open space.
Castle Park in Thetford occupies the site of a significant 11th-century Norman motte-and-bailey castle built by Roger Bigod. The most prominent feature is the massive, 20-meter-high earthwork mound, one of the largest of its kind in England. The park serves as a green space and recreational area surrounding these historical earthworks. Visitors can climb the steep stairs to the summit of the motte to view the surrounding landscape. The site is a scheduled ancient monument, preserving the integrity of the original fortification layout. Paths wind around the base of the mound, providing access to open grassy areas suitable for picnics and light activity. Interpretive signage is placed throughout the grounds to explain the site's military history during the medieval period.
From the summit of the motte looking back toward the town of Thetford.
Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the path up the motte is steep and can be slippery when wet.
Bring a picnic blanket, as the grassy slopes provide excellent spots for an outdoor meal with a view.
Visit the nearby Thetford Priory ruins to complement the medieval historical experience.
Attempting to climb the steep sides of the motte instead of using the provided staircase, which damages the preservation of the earthwork.
Respect the ancient earthworks by staying on designated paths to prevent erosion.
