Powderham Castle is a 12th century earth and timber ringwork fortress, founded by the bishop of Winchester. Built during the Anarchy, in the reign of King Stephen, it was a siege-castle to Barley Pound, after the castle was taken by a trick, in 1147. Encased by a ditch, with a counterscarp bank, the ringwork now resembles a low flat-topped motte, which is due to the demolition of its encasing rampart. Excavations on the mound, have uncovered post-holes and large flints which may indicate former buildings. With the dense cover of trees, its best view is in winter. 9 miles north-west is Odiham Castle.