More information : The inner ward occupies a natrual mound, artificially
levelled, and it was surrounded by the curtain wall and by a
large and deep ditch. The entrance could only be approached
across the outer ward and through the barbican or outwork, now
so ruined that its original design is not apparent. Mr. Clark
thought that there had been a drawbridge across the ditch.
The inner ward was 90 yards by 60 yards within the curtain wall
which was surrounded by buildings 22 ft. wide. (1)
Several apartments have been on the north side. (2)
The Inner Ward is an oval enclosure defended by a tall curtain
wall set on the edge of the hillside. The entry to the ward,
approached through a barbican, was probably flanked by a pair of
turrets, part of the plinth of one of which remains on the left-
hand side. [See SK 59 NW 5.6] A doorway that survives in the
block of masonry on the right led into a chamber over the gate
passage; on the left are the remains of its fireplace.
The principal domestic buildings of the castle were set against
the inner face of the curtain. Many of their foundations are
visible, but their full plan and disposition have still to be
investigated. On the W. side are the remains of a fireplace and
chimney. 'Garderobes' are set in the thickness of the curtain
wall on either side of the Keep. (3)
The inner ward is a turf covered enclosure measuring 78 m.
NW - SE and 50 m. N - S. The surface of the ground is very
uneven suggesting further remains of buildings yet to be
excavated. The remains that have been exposed exist on the N and
SW portions of the enclosure. A garderobe is visible at SK 5146
9892 within the curtain walling and the remains of another at
SK 5148 9890. A third garderobe probably existed at SK 5141 9890
where carved stonework is similar in appearance to those that
are extant. The remains of the walling at this part of the inner
ward probably represent domestic quarters whilst the purpose of
those to the north are as yet unknown. In the SW quadrant the
walling varies in height from ground level to 2.1 m. and
averages 1 m. in thickness. The exposed walling in the N.
averages 1 m. x 1 m. At SK 5143 9889 is a portion of walling
with a doorway set 2.6 m. above ground level. This wall rises to
a height level with the remainder of the curtain walling and is
now being renovated by M.O.W. In the course of clearing the
footings it has been discovered that the wall extended to SK
5144 9889 though the footings of this portion have not yet been
completely uncovered. (4)
Condition unchanged. (5)
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