| Print | More

CASTLE HILL

ABOUT THIS MONUMENT

+ / -

EH Visitor Information
Related Monuments
Related Text
Investigation History

More Pictures
Modern Map
Old Map
Aerial Photograph

Monument Types
Sources
Thesaurus
Description

DESCRIPTION

+ / -

A Motte and an associated ditch system surviving as earthworks was discovered during tree felling in 1957. The earthwork consisted of a small platform 128 feet by 25 feet defended on the north by two deep transverse ditches, and on the south by three similar ditches. Excavations discovered no finds but a possible hearth sealed beneath a layer of stones. An 11th or early twelfth century date has been suggested for the Motte. Scheduled.

DETAIL

+ / -

MORE INFORMATION & SOURCES

+ / -

(Area SJ 46784414) In July 1957, the felling of trees at Castle Hill, Oldcastle revealed an impressive earthwork consisting of a small platform 128 ft by 25 ft defended on the N by two deep transverse ditches, and on the S by three similar ditches.
Thompson carried out a limited excavation in August 1957 when a section was cut in the bottom of one of the northern ditches, and trial trenches dug in the platform on the summit. No evidence on date or structural remains were found, and the purpose of the earthwork remains an enigma. It may possibly be pre-Norman or early medieval. (1)

Scheduled under 'Castles' (2) Plan (3) (1-3)

Surveyed at 1:2500. (4)

The inner of the two northern ditches was sectioned by Thompson, but yielded nothing. Some rapid trenching on the platform, before it was replanted with trees, revealed indications of a layer of stone on natural clay and a possible hearth sealed beneath a layer of stone.
It is possible that the feature is an outpost of the motte and bailey castle at Malpas suggesting, therefore, an 11th or early 12th century date. (5)

This work occupies a steep-sided, very narrow promontory which juts into the valley of the Wych Brook. The promontory lies some 30 feet below the sharp valley edge and the only approach is by a razor-back path.
The topographical position and method of construction, (some of the material being used to raise the central mound) suggests that this is probably a motte. It is now heavily overgrown. (6)

Listed by Cathcart King. (7)

SOURCE TEXT

( 1) General reference

The Cheshire Historian 8 1958 23 (F H Thompson)

( 2) General reference

List Anc Mon of Eng and Wales 1961 22 (MOW)

( 3) Royal Commission on Historical Monuments, (England) 1963 Monuments threatened or destroyed: a select list: 1956-1962

Page(s)11

( 4) Field Investigators Comments

F1 TPW 06-NOV-64

( 5) Transactions of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society

(F H Thompson) 54 - 1967 Page(s)1-2

( 6) Field Investigators Comments

F2 CFW 16-JAN-73

(7) by David J Cathcart King 1983 Castellarium anglicanum : an index and bibliography of the castles in England, Wales and the islands. Volume I : Anglesey - Montgomery

2 Page(s)68

MONUMENT TYPES

+ / -

COMMENTS

+ / -

Please help us keep our information accurate let us know if you see any errors on this page.

Further information about monuments may be obtained by contacting NMR Enquiry and Research Services , through the English Heritage website.

EH Archives
EH Prints
English Heritage
Heritage Explorer
Heritage Gateway
Images of England
National Heritage List for England
English Heritage Archive
ViewFinder