Walkernbury Farm

[from Walkern Local History Notes by H & M Venster]

Some chroniclers of the history of Walkern have suggested Walkern Bury as the site of the original manor house and farm. The two main points supporting this claim are the fact that Walkern Castle was on this site, and the large Bury fields were not common land and would be farmed by the manor. The castle was probably built in the reign of Stephen (12th centry) and was made of wood which explains why there are no remains except the moat. It is unlikely to have been a residential castle but was probably a local strong point on a summit of a hill with a good view of any marauders in the surrounding countryside. (In the last war, too, a nearby site was used as a look-out position). Walkern Castle was never licensed and when Henry II ruled that castles should be licensed or demolished it was most likely abandoned. During its short existence it would be manned only by local partly-trained soldiery. Walkernbury Farm is not likely to have any connection with the castle except that it is on the same site.