Laxton Castle

Laxton is a castle half a mile north of the centre of Laxton village. It is held by Matilda de Caux and her busband Ralph Fitzstephen, hereditary Wardens of Sherwood Forest.

The castle lies on a low hill overlooking the Great North Road, and commands wide views as far as Lincoln. Though it is not built at the highest point in the parish, it is visible for many miles around.

Laxton Castle as it may have appeared about 1200 CE by Ray Straw

History

Laxton was built as a wooden motte and bailey castle by Geoffrey Alselin, Domesday lord of Laxton. At this time the castle had a single bailey.

Robert II de Caux (died 1146), who created the Honour of Laxton, added a second, larger bailey. His son Robert III de Caux (died 1168) replaced the castle's wooden defences with stone, converting the tower on top of the motte into a shell keep.

Included Organizations

• Honour of Laxton

Owner/Ruler

Matilda de Caux

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Ralph Fitzstephen