More information : [NU 10293398] Moat [NR]. (1)
Westhall is the site of a tower or 'fortilage'. Remains of a moat can be traced, and the inequalities of the ground mark the foundations of a building. Human bones and a pair of 15th C spurs were found some years ago by workmen enlarging the mill pond, formerly part of the moat. (2)
Listed in 1415. (3)
No building foundations are now visible. The NE angle and eastern arm of the moat have been obliterated by the modern farm, and the remainder greatly reduced by ploughing, so that virtually only the southern arm and SW angle survive.
Published survey (25") revised. (4)
Condition unchanged. (5)
There may have been a motte and bailey here in the late 11th century, but the first recorded building was an unfortified manor house which Edward III spent the night in on his return form the Battle of Halidon Hill, 1333. By 1415 the manor house had been replaced by the `Castrum de Beleford', a strong tower. The moat was dug at this time as part of the building's defences. (6)
Listed by King. (7) |