More information : [SK 74108061] ROMAN CAMP [G.S.]
Site of Mound (roman Coins Etc. found) [T.I.]
[Centred SK 74088064] Ancient Earthworks [T.I.] (1,2)
The earthworks at Castle Hill are classified as a hill fort with a
later moat (3).
Piercy (4) describes the site as a 'castle on a mount, which appears to have been surrounded by a double trench ... having the entrance to the south-east,' and called Little Gringley Castle on old county maps. Foundations surrounded by a moat could be traced south-east of this mound. These were probably the stone foundations of a wooden super-structure excavated later (5) when green glazed medieval pottery and a coin of Alexander III of Scotland (1249-1286) were found.
Comparison with the Kingshaugh earthworks (SK 77 SE 6) suggests that the Grove earthworks may also represent a hunting lodge. King John is known to have stayed at Gringley in 1207, (6) but this may be Gringley on the Hill (7). (3-7)
Castle Hill has been extensively quarried, the former workings now being flooded, no certain indications of early archaeological features could be noted, although early roads, - probably contemporary with the quarrying - can be distinguished on the north shoulder and flank of the hill, the roads themselves enclose small fields.
Castle Hill has previously been classified as 'hill-fort', 'moat' and 'Roman Station', none of these could be substantiated. There is no similarity to the moated site at Kingshaugh as previously suggested (authy.6). (8)
No change. Local and County museums have no knowledge of the finds as published c.1916. (9) |