More information : [SP 6807 9449] Motte [G.T.] (1)
A large mount about 40 yds. S. of the village of Kibworth Harcourt in Hall Close. It has a single ditch, 122 yds. in circumference. The height in the slope of the mount is about 18 yds; the diameter of the flat surface at the top is 16 yds. "About 40 yds. N.W. of the mount is the appearance of an old ditch running about 55 yds. N.E. and S.W., the slope of which is but 3 or 4 yds." (2)
The mound was opened ( circa 1837). After removing some rich soil from the surface a stiff clay was cut through to a depth of about 4 ft., when an extensive, thin layer of burnt matter was discovered. Near the centre was a pavement consisting of large pebbles showing signs of burning. Fragments of burnt bones and pottery were found embedded in the ashes.
Another stratum of clay was succeeded by a layer of burnt matter. Here were found two pavements about 7 yds. apart; one near the centre, the other on the west side: these were lying on the natural soil and showed signs of fire. "On approaching the outside each layer assumed the form of a peculiar arch. It appears the site was first marked out by an embankment." The greater portion of the mound was not disturbed. (3)
The mound in Hall Field, Kibworth, was opened about twenty seven years ago [circa 1836 ] when an entrance was made from the western side. The finds were sent to the late Proctor's Office, at Leicester. The mound has again been excavated, the north-south cutting being 8 to 9 ft. deep in the centre. About 5 ft. deep a layer of black soil, ashes and burnt wood was found with bones, teeth and one or two pieces of Roman pottery ("Samian" ware and other fragments). On a level with the same layer a pavement of large stones about four feet by two was discovered. A bone bodkin was also found, and an iron candlestick. (4)
The mound is a Norman motte and the ditch to the N.W. may be part of the defences of the usual bailey. Some part of the trench mentioned by Nichols must have been destroyed by the construction of the road to the W. of the mound in 1810, though a portion still remains. In other parts the surrounding village has encroached on the bailey. (5)
A low ditched motte in excellent condition - the former bailey is now occupied by modern development and only slight evidence of an original rampart can be identified (as surveyed) and this has a modern terraced building platform to the south. Leicester Museum have not been able to trace the finds made during the excavation. Published survey (1:2500) revised. (6)
SP 6807 9448. Motte in Hall Field.
A flat-topped, irregularly-shaped mound, approximately 35m in maximum width and up to 4m high, surrounded by a ditch up to 2m deep and 8m wide except on the north side where it has been partly filled. The top is an irregularly shaped area measuring a maximum of 22m. An entrance causeway 6m wide is situated on the south-west side. Two large depressions on the north and south sides of the mound are the result of C19th excavations. Scheduled (RSM) No 17046. (7)
Listed by Cathcart King. (8)
Creighton notes that there may be some confusion as to the location of the 19th century excavations: these may have actually been at a windmill mound based on an earlier barrow, situated at SP 687 949 and not at the motte. (9) |