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Skipsea Castle

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FourWinds F
FourWinds Feb 1, 2008 07:04:54
Replying to ryaner

ryaner wrote:
Penske666 wrote:
I'm guessing the Normans built on top of existing mounds to save time building mottes (me mum's idea not mine - but I agree)
I'm sure your mum's right. Some of the mottes I've seen here in Ireland, particularly one below the Slieve na Calliagh hills, have that air of the pre-historic about them.
If you're talking about the one just south of Patrickstown, I believe that one is known to have been a barrow first. I don't have details, but I know that a number of mottes have been dug into in Ireland and a large proportion of them had burials in them.

J Johnnyboy
Johnnyboy Feb 26, 2008 23:31:47
Replying to FourWinds

I grew up in nearby Hornsea, and always thought that Skipsea Brough looked like a mini-Silbury. it seems to have something which other local mottes don't have, such as Noddle Hill near Hull (perhaps that one's proximity to Bransholme takes something from it!)

Last time I was at Skipsea, the base of the Brough was partially flooded - a fine sight. There's a very clearly defined circular bank around the mound, and separated from it by the moat. Again, I thought of Silbury with its "moat". I'd also agree that the bailey earthworks are very reminiscent of a hillfort - the castle was apparently dismantled and abandoned long before it had a chance to be rebuilt in stone.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v428/JRSewell68/new%20year/skip4.jpg
(The mound in its hollow)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v428/JRSewell68/new%20year/skip3.jpg
(The circular bank and damp moat)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v428/JRSewell68/new%20year/skip1.jpg
(Bailey earthworks from the top of the motte - the area between them was once water, and they were connected by a causeway)