Obelisk marking the location of the castle (30/04/26)

From early Saxon times a fortified manor house of magnificent proportions existed in Tewkesbury. Known as Holm Castle it was located on rising ground close by the Abbey. It became a favourite residence of the De Clares, earls of Gloucester. While nothing now remains of the castle, a rather inconspicuous obelisk marks the spot. The castle stood between the vineyard and fishponds separating it from the Abbey.

Originally constructed of timber before becoming a more fortified building, it went through several phases of improvement. Unfortunately there are no visible traces remaining today. Masonry and foundations had been visible in 1836. The castle had been burnt down in 1140 and afterwards rebuilt. It was subsequently destroyed in early 1440.

It is said that Tewkesbury was one of the principal residences of the earls of Gloucester and passed to King John after his marriage to Isabella, Countess of Gloucester, until her remarriage in 1214. So 887321 Excavations at Holm (Windmill) Hall in 1974/5 revealed a 13^th century stone-built Hall underlying which was a 12^th century stone hall and below that the remains of a late Saxon timber hall.

Damaged severely by fire in 1140, it was rebuilt and finally destroyed in the early 14^th century, only the obelisk remains to indicate the whereabouts of the ancient castle.

The castle, indicated by the obelisk, is in close proximity to the Abbey.

 As you can see was a short distance away from the monks then in residence.