More information : Situated at TG 02854409 is a large grass covered mound, maximum height of 7.1m, with a northern coastal outlook of 175 degrees. Although possibly a motte, extensive local research and enquiry failed to produce substantiating historical fact; there is no ground evidence of a former bailey.
It is possible the mound pre-dates the C15th Guildhall to the W
(TG 04 SW 12), the undercroft of which appears to cut into the western quadrant. See photograph. (1)
Further research of early C19th coast surveys, and the Blakeney tithe map give no indication of the mound or its purpose (a). A reduced photograph of a 1586 map of Blakeney and Cley Haven also shows no trace of a mound. The spread condition, with walkways, seating platforms and encroached development confuses ground classification, but the impression is of earth piled up against already steeply rising ground to form a platform vantage point. Thus, this is a doubtful motte; a more likely purpose being a harbour lookout or beacon mount. Because of its irregular spread, the fact that the Guildhall undercroft appears to cut it is not proof of its pre C15th construction.
Surveyed at 1/2500 on MSD. (2) |