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The information below is taken from Hollingsworth's 1844 "History of Stowmarket", and Kirby's "Suffolk Traveller" which documents a 1732-34 survey of the whole county of Suffolk.
Haughley Castle, previously known as Hageneth or Hagenorth Castle, is one of only four ancient castles which was created by an "Honour", a royal gift distinct and superior to the general granting of manorial rights and lordships. The other castle created in this way were Bononia, Dover Castle and Peverell (Notts). A later one was created at St Osyth. Hageneth Castle may have had this Honour conferred on it because of its ancient importance as Sitomagus, a large Roman Garrison of 3,000 men under the command of General Suetonius. The Romans may have chosen this for their garrison because of its earlier importnace as a Magus or Druid camp. The Haughley garrison had a quarter of the Roman garrison at Colchester and formed a central place for the Roman forces in Suffolk. The Saxons are believed to have built the mound and it came into the ownership of Ralph de Broc, but was destroyed by Robert Earl of Leicester with 10,000 men on 13 October 1173.
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