Excavation at Knepp Castle

Sum awarded: £9,960

Knepp Castle in Sussex was established in the late 12th or early 13th century by the Braose family. King John confiscated the family’s property, and Knepp came under royal control for a time. John stayed at Knepp on hunting trips, but during his war with the barons in 1215–16 he gave instructions to “cause the castle of Cnappe [Knepp], without delay, to be burnt and destroyed”. It is uncertain whether the orders to destroy (slight) the castle were followed, but Knepp Castle would host royalty in 1218 and again in the 14th century.

Castle Studies Trust funding supports excavations at Knepp Castle, investigating features identified through geophysical surveys at the castle in 2021 and 2022. The project is set up by Dr Richard Nevell of the University of Exeter, with fieldwork led by Chris Butler Archaeological Services. The aim is to better understand the phasing of the site and the purpose of the remains of the building west of the shattered keep.