Bramber Castle

Bramber Castle is a ruined Norman castle in the village of Bramber, West Sussex, England, founded in the late 11th century by the Norman lord William de Braose.

The site is dominated by a large motte and surrounding bailey earthworks plus fragments of medieval stonework; the motte and surviving masonry afford open views across the River Adur and the surrounding lowlands. The castle remains are compact and visited for their archaeological interest and landscape views rather than extensive interior exhibits.

Originally constructed as a Norman motte-and-bailey stronghold, the castle was established in the period after the Conquest and later had stone defences added; it declined into ruin in the later medieval and post-medieval periods as its military significance diminished. Ownership passed through the de Braose family and subsequently to the Crown and other local lords.

The castle stands beside the village of Bramber on the eastern side of the Adur valley in West Sussex, adjacent to low chalk hills of the South Downs and within easy reach of nearby coastal settlements.

• Viewpoint: The grassy motte and bailey earthworks give one of the best vantage points for views over the Adur valley and the South Downs - the top of the motte is the main overlook.
• Access: Reached on short walks from the village of Bramber; the site is primarily exposed ruins and earthworks rather than a restored castle interior.