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Norfolk Heritage Explorer

Record Details

NHER Number:	1059
Type of record:	Monument
Name:	Castle Hill medieval ringwork, Hunworth

Summary

An almost circular enclosure with a single bank and ditch, sitting on a knoll above the Glaven valley. Small scale excavations have not succeeded in dating the site, but it is probably a Norman ringwork. The site was covered in conifers but has now been cleared for grazing.

Images - none

Location

Grid Reference:	TG 071 352
Map Sheet:	TG03NE
Parish:	HUNWORTH, NORTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK
	STODY, NORTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Full description

Castle Hill, Hunworth. Undated circular ditched enclosure, conifer cover. Flints in field to west. This was originally scheduled as a possible motte and bailey, but its date and function are unknown. It is about 61m (200 feet) in diameter and commands a sharp bend in the river Glaven.

In 1965 trial excavations were carried out by NRC involving a section across the ditch on the north side, showing the east face, at 0725 3527, and cutting 'A' at 0727 3525 on the east side showing the east end and the south face. Nothing datable was found.
E. B. Green (NCM).

Adjacent to Castle Hill (outside scheduled area). Ordnance Survey aerial photographs indicate possible soilmark of outer bailey-type enclosure, perhaps thus confirming identification as a motte and bailey site.
E. Rose (NAU) 10 June 1980.

Although D. Edwards (NAU) suggests mark is natural outwash from a knoll.

Scheduled area reduced in 1998 excluding former projection to southwest. Described as ring work; see schedule for dimensions.

Site heavily masked in mature conifers and some deciduous trees, making identification of earthworks difficult. A programme of clear felling under Stewardship is to be implemented. This will be followed by erection of sheep fencing and sheep grazing.
H. Paterson (NLA), 24 March 1998.

June 1999. Earthwork survey at 1:1250 in file, amending existing Ordnance Survey plan.
See (S3).
B. Cushion (NLA), 6 July 1999.

Visit to discuss siting of sheep fencing in connection with Countryside Stewardship Scheme. This may be erected within the scheduled area for a limited stretch. SMC will be applied for.
H. Paterson (NLA) 29 September 1999.

June 2000. Visit.
Tree felling is proceeding under a countryside stewardship scheme. The ring work and ditch are being revealed especially to east. Some slight rutting visible up the lower bank, by vehicles. This limited by the placing of logs in the ditch at access points. No up rooting seen.
H. Paterson (A&E),, 2 June 2000.

September 2000. Visited.
Major part of earthwork now clear of trees, with a few deciduous specimens remaining in centre. Much felled wood still lying around. Bracken starting to invade cleared areas. Ross Haddow (Farm Manager) told me that it would be at least two years before sheep grazing is introduced on the site. Felled wood has to be cleared. He might consider an Section 17 grant later on for a limted period to keep down undergrowth.
H. Paterson (A&E), 2 October 2000.

Schedule, report in file.

May 2002.
All conifers have been felled, leaving a few oak standards in centre. Considerable bracken growth will be sprayed. Sheep fencing in position, no grazing until bracken removed. Educational access under Countryside Stewardship will be implemented.
H. Paterson (NLA), 7 June 2002.

April 2004.
Bracken has been poisoned but is showing signs of regeneration. It is hoped to continue bracken control under the Stewardship Agreement, with the aim of establishing a grass cover suitable for sheep grazing. Sheep fencing already in position.
H. Paterson (A&E), 28 April 2004.

(S2) states that he has no doubt this is a medieval castle from documentary references.
E. Rose (NLA), 1 April 2006.

Monument Types

CIRCULAR ENCLOSURE (Unknown date)
CIRCULAR ENCLOSURE (Unknown date)
BAILEY (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
MOTTE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
SITE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Associated Finds

LITHIC IMPLEMENT (Prehistoric - 500000 BC to 42 AD)

Protected Status

Scheduled Monument

Sources and further reading

---	Aerial Photograph: TG0735 A-K, OS AP 69.038.
---	Designation: [unknown]. Ancient Monuments Form. SAM Record. DNF203.
---	Monograph: Liddiard, R.. 2000. Landscapes of Lordship. BAR British Series 309.
---	Monograph: Cushion, B. and Davison, A. 2003. Earthworks of Norfolk. East Anglian Archaeology. No 104. p 172.
---	Record Card: Ordnance Survey Staff. 1933-1979?. Ordnance Survey Record Cards. TG 03 NE 7 [3].
---	Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
---	Archive: Norfolk Monuments Management Project File.
---	Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Medieval. Stody.
---	Secondary File: Secondary File.
---	Slide: Various. Slide.
---	Designation: English Heritage. 1990-2013. English Heritage Scheduling Notification. Notification. DNF203.
---	Designation: English Heritage. 1994? -2011?. English Heritage Digital Designation Record. Record. DNF203.
---	Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Miscellaneous. Stody.
<S1>	Publication: Dutt, W. A. 1949. Norfolk. p 101.
<S2>	*Verbal Communication: Liddiard, R.. 2006. Lecture at Cambridge. March.
<S3>	Article in Serial: Gurney, D. and Penn, K. (eds). 2000. Excavations and Surveys in Norfolk 1999. Norfolk Archaeology. XLIII Pt III pp 521-543. p 536.