Castle Neroche

Castle Neroche is located on the edge of a steep natural escarpment, which forms the northern edge of the Blackdown Hills (some 900ft above sea level). This wood provides a fascinating insight into the history of the area.

The site of Castle Neroche was a small settlement over 2600 years ago, when it probably supported a small farming and hunting community. In Saxon times, over a thousand years later, the north slope of the hills became an important hunting forest and by the Norman conquests of 1066 the site was an important stronghold, especially during the west country revolts.

The name Neroche is thought to be derived from the Old English nierra and rechich or rachich, meaning the ‘camp where hunting dogs were kept’. Rache were a type of hunting dog. The earliest record of the word is from Close Rolls of 1235 when retchirch is substituted for La Newechirch.

Today, the castle ramparts and earthworks are classified as a scheduled ancient monument ensuring that the site can be enjoyed by future generations too. A visit to the Forest of Neroche will offer you spectacular views over the vale of Taunton towards the Quantock Hills and Exmoor and a place to enjoy a stroll with the family.