ANCIENT DEFENSIVE EARTHWORKS 



The remains consist of a great conical artificial mount, very 

 similar to that at Brinklow, only smaller ; it is slightly oval in shape, 

 and measures about 70 by 100 feet in diameter at its base ; it is 25 

 feet high, and has a flat top about 25 feet across. Round the edge of 

 the summit is a 

 distinct raised rim 

 of earth, evidently 

 the remains of the 

 'fighting platform' 

 erected within the 

 wooden palisades 

 which once de- 

 fended the 'keep,' 

 as pictured in the 

 Dinan fort on the 

 Bayeux Tapestry. 1 

 Encircling the 

 mount is a moat, 

 which is now how- 

 ever almost filled 

 up on the south 

 side ; it was no 

 doubt formerly 

 supplied with water 

 from the spring still 

 to be seen within 

 it. Beyond the 

 moat on the north 

 the ground falls 

 away very sharply 

 to the river below. 

 Adjoining this 

 moated mount on 

 the south-east lies 

 a courtyard, which 

 is defended by 

 strong entrench- 

 ments. This, in- 

 stead of being of , , 



the usual curved 



horseshoe shape, as at Brinklow and at Seckington, is rectangular, in 

 which respect it resembles the courtyards at Warwick and at Tamworth. 

 Its earthworks are still well preserved upon the north and part of the east 

 sides, and consist of a deep moat with a rampart inside, upon which 

 several ancient thorns and yew trees grow ; both rampart and moat have 



VXA\V' %% "ll\ l\v* ti<"'/ 



CASTLE BROMWICH 



SCALE OF FEET 

 |OO 2OO 



306 



1 See above, p. 352. 

 365 



