More information : [NY 3605 3840] Castle How, Ancient Earthwork [T.I.]. (1)
Castle How motte, 1/2m. S.W. of Southernby, is the possible site of Castle Sowerby castle, which is mentioned in the pipe rolls of Henry II. It would have been dismantled before 1237 when the manor of Castle Sowerby was assigned to the King of Scotland. (2-3)
The published survey (25" revised) consists of a natural ridge of high ground 200.0m in length running north to south, with a more or less level area to the NW.
The southern spur of the ridge may have supported an artificial structure but there is no evidence of this nor is there any trace of
a motte.
The banks to the north, of which only very slight traces remain,
appear to be of no significance.
Published survey (25") revised. (4)
From the description and historical evidence this feature
would seem to fall in the general category of Norman ringworks. (5)
Listed by Cathcart King as being mentioned as a place in 1186-7. Probably an unfinished work (6)
A castle at Sowerby is documented between 1157 and 1214, at which time it was in the King's possession. (7)
Probable ringwork, but not the site of a castle on the balance of evidence. (8) |