More information : (SS 67931246) Motte and Bailey (NR). (1)
A typical motte and bailey (see plan), situated in Heywood Wood. On the north side of the castle is an additional rampart 2 ft high and a ditch 3 ft deep and the same width, making an arc 200 ft long, possibly a barbican (2). There are no indications of any masonry being used (3). A slightly curved agger 45 ft long and facing the river, stretches between this site and the motte and bailey (at SS 67831188: SS 61 SE 10) (2). (2-3)
An exceptionally well preserved motte and bailey situated at the end of a spur and overlooking the wide Taw valley.
The motte is up to 6.2 metres high with a 1.8 metre deep central depression and a rock-cut outer ditch.
There are two gaps in the bailey, the northern one is possibly original. The ditch on the south side of the bailey has been badly damaged by a forest track.
The 45 ft long agger (should this be 45 ft wide ?) was not traceable although there is a wide forest track running from the earthwork back along the top of the spur. In any case the two sites are separated by a steep escarpment.
Resurveyed at 1:2500. (4)
Scheduled listing. (5)
Listed by Cathcart King. (6) |