More information : [TR 27474757] EARTHWORK [G.T.] (1)
VCH classifies this earthwork as possibly Romano-British; Crawford says it is unlikely to be prehistoric and is possibly Medieval. Hasted gives a plan showing it as a waisted oval bisected by the road with Coldred Church in the NW half and a `mount' in the SE half; he also records the discovery of a well at approx. TR 27474757.
The work is situated in a poor defensive position on a broad flat-topped ridge at a height of 370ft and has been extensively mutilated by quarrying and the construction of farm buildings of Coldred Court. The NW half surrounding Coldred Church, a small two-celled early Norman building, consists of a strong rampart and V-shaped ditch. The SE half is of much more massive proportions with a U-shaped ditch and a slightly raised inner area. The two halves are off-set from one another and appear to be separate works.
(See ill card No.2).
At Domesday the manor of Coldred was possessed by Odo, Bishop of Bayeux. Four years later he was disgraced and his possessions, including Coldred, were confiscated. The earthwork is probably therefore, a much mutilated castle mound with a small church in the bailey. The short life may account for the lack of tradition or documentary evidence.
Published 25" survey revised. (2)
Listed by Cathcart King. (3) |