Circa 1070AD, the motte and bailey castle and Norman church at Bramber was constructed by William De Braose. Most of the surviving masonry also dates back to the same time. The ownership of Bramber Castle was with the De Braose family from its construction almost continually, until the bloodline died out in 1324. There was just one period when it did not belong to them when it was confiscated during the reign of King John.
Very little has survived of the castle but the basic layout of some areas can still be identified. The largest and most prominent feature is the Gatehouse tower. All that remains is a large, rugged lump of stone, though it still stands to almost its full height. Clearly visible within the structure is a single window and some floor joist holes. The living quarters and a guardhouse are believed to have been located just beyond this Gatehouse. The foundations can still be made out, along with the dressed pillars of an entrance way. The rest of the walls have mainly been scavenged long ago for their high quality dressing stone, now only leaving the basic rough stone infill as the only evidence they were once there. To the north of the Gatehouse rests the original castle motte. It is now simply a mound of earth that rises to some 39ft in height. A little way from the motte lies the only remaining section of the curtain wall. Little of it remains, though it still reaches 10ft in height in places; a testament to its fine construction.
There are few records of Bramber castle. Its history has mostly been forgotten, now lost in the past to never be discovered. Some records were made during the Civil War, however, they only mention a ‘skirmish’ in the village circa 1642AD. The church was the best vantage point in a time of conflict in order to attack the castle. As such, Cromwellian guns were set up in the transepts to issue an assault on the fort. The church was severely damaged as a result.
There is not much left to see of the castle and its ruins. However, it has a very beautiful setting near a small wood. The lawned areas in the bailey are still well maintained, adding a majestic old beauty to the site, as though history is stronger than the elements and the remnants of the castle will remain a feature standing proud forever. Over the years, young saplings have matured into grand trees, transforming the motte into a pleasant, shady glade. Even the moat, once a defense against intruders, now serves a new purpose as it provides a perfect path around the perimeter of the castle, allowing visitors a place from which to view the site.
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