Burgh Castle

At the far southwestern end of Breydon Water on the River Waveney, Burgh Castle is actually the remains of a stone motte and bailey fortress, itself built on the site of the 3rd century Roman fort of Gariannonum.

It was one of a series of Roman defences built to repel Saxon pirates called the Forts of the Saxon Shore. Unlike those built at Branchester and Bradwell-on-Sea which have largely disappeared, much of Burgh Castle's massive stone wall remains.

Originally, the Romans deployed an elite detachment of Greek troops who had fought in Holland, and were consequently au fait with the concept of marsh warfare. With the end of Roman influence in Britain, the site became a monastery after the 4th century; then in medieval times, it was reused as a fort, with the building of the motte and bailey. Sadly, the motte was substantially destroyed in the 18th century.

Access to the ruins is always possible and free.

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