Merdon Castle

Removed from Historic England’s “At Risk” Register in 2024, following restoration work by Home Farm Estate and Historic England, this is a rare opportunity to visit the remains of one of the castles built by Henri de Blois, Bishop of Winchester and brother of King Stephen during the tumultuous years of “The Anarchy” that ended the Norman era in England.

Although ramparts date back to pre-history the castle was built around 1138 but lasted only until the accession of Henry II. For the next four hundred years it was the manorial court for the Manor of Merdon and a palace from which the bishop could enjoy hunting in Hursley Park. Largely forgotten for the next five hundred years, as the focus shifted to Hursley Park House to the south, it has remained little changed since the eighteenth century, covered in ivy and hidden from public view within the park.

Now, cleared and the walls stabilised, it is possible to imagine what the castle would have originally looked like, and wonder, like the soldiers who visited it from the Army Camps in and around it in both WWI and WWII, what stories it could tell.

Talks and guided tours on the history of the site and what we know of the castle will be given throughout the day.

Timings & Tours

Thursday 18 September:

11:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00

Friday 19 September:

11:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00

Location & directions

Merdon Castle, Merdon Castle Lane, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2JH

Directions:

Merdon Castle is half-way up Merdon Castle Lane from Standon. Access is via gate on southern side of the lane and involves a short walk from parking (in field) to the castle.

Contact on day:

David Key

Telephone number:

+447879467487

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Booking is handled via Hampshire History Trust.

Booking contact name:

Hampshire History Trust

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hampshire-history-trust

Booking opens:

08 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

10 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Merdon Castle is in open countryside accessed along uneven paths, with steep earth ramparts. Suitable strong footwear and appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions is essential. The site is accessed via a narrow country road with limited on-site parking. There are no amenities on site and care must be taken whilst on the site, particularly if the ground is wet.

Additional information

Merdon Castle is a scheduled monument

Max no of people per tour:

30

Est. tour duration:

2 hour(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results