The Constable's Hall Castles

A domestic Norman dwelling, known as the Constable's House, which was built within the original castle bailey in 1160. Much of the stonework survives, including a rare example of a Norman Chimney (one of only five in the country). The once luxurious Constable's House, now in ruins, has the oldest Norman chimney in Britain and was built around 1150. The stone keep (slighted after 1650), replaced a wooden structure about 1300. The castle saw action in the Anarchy about 1147 and in the Civil War in 1645.The stone used for construction was Purbeck Marble. The ground floor which has four slit windows was used as a storeroom. The upper floor accessed by steps outside and an internal staircase contained the main hall. It is 67 by 23 feet in size. As well as the chimney, another notable feature is the garderobe tower which extends over the mill stream added in the early 13th century to provide sanitary arrangements.