NHER 1059 (Monument record) - Castle Hill medieval ringwork, Hunworth

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.