While most of us who live, work and study in Bristol will have walked through Castle Park at some point or other, how many of us know that beneath our feet are the remains of a great castle, demolished in 1656 by order of Oliver Cromwell? Originally built for Bishop Geoffrey of Coutances, the half-brother of William the Conqueror, Bristol Castle quickly become one of the most important castles of Norman origin in England.
Built in a very strategic location, Bristol Castle was surrounded by water, sitting on the river, meaning that it was incredibly well defended from attack and siege. Multiple phases of fortification were added to the castle throughout it’s existence, furthering this defensible status. When we look at this castle through the lens of anarchism, and relating to the anarchy period that SWARP is investigating (1135-1153AD), this really is a key site. Alongside Empress Matilda’s rebels rallying at the castle, and it becoming an impregnable stronghold, Stephen of Blois was captured and imprisoned inside the castle walls in ¬1141.
Bristol Castle quickly became one of the most important castles of Norman origin in England. Built in a very strategic location, Bristol Castle was incredibly well defended from attack and siege. This makes Bristol castle a site of specific interest for SWARP, as it is indicative of events at the epicentre of the Anarchy Period. Using modern technology in combination with historical and archaeological resources, SWARP aims to create a virtual experience of Bristol Castle for the local community and visitors to be transported back nearly a thousand years, and begin to understand the history of the modern landscape in which we all exist.