The motte and bailey castle was built either by Walter of Douai or by his son Robert who also built Bampton Castle in Devon. During The Anarchy Robert was exiled by King Stephen and the castle given to Ralph Lovel who then sided with Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester against the king.
The fortified stronghold was constructed either by Walter of Douai or his son Robert, who also built Bampton Castle in Devon. During The Anarchy, Robert was banished by King Stephen and the castle was granted to Ralph Lovel, who later allied with Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester against the king.