King's Hill.
TF 4135 5310
Latitude: 53.056190 Longitude 0.107840
This site is listed as a scheduled monument and is protected by Law.
The area of uneven ground at the above location includes the remains of a Motte and Bailey castle built during the early part of the Norman occupation. Motte and Bailey castles are medieval fortifications introduced into Britain by the Normans. They comprised of a large conical mound of earth or rubble, the Motte, surmounted by a pallisade and a stone or timber tower, surrounded by an embanked enclosure containing additional buildings, the Bailey, which is linked to the motte. In some cases the motte only and sometimes the entire complex, were surrounded by a moat. They acted as garrison forts during military operations, as strongholds in event of attack and, in many cases, aristocratic residences and administrative centres for the surrounding area. Located in the Fenland area of Lincolnshire, this monument is rare, being one of the few surviving earthwork sites from the Medieval period.
While the reason behind such an earthwork being built in this location is uncertain its position overlooking the Wrangle Haven, a waterway with easy acess to the sea, and at a narrow point between the fresh water fen and the salt water marsh, would have provided a good watch position for attack from the sea and a blocking position should one be required. In later years, before falling into disuse it would also have provided a view of shipping movements as the medieval port developed. It is believed to be associated with a manorial estate established during the 11th and 12th centuries
As the Church established its dominance, grants of large areas of land were assigned to various abbeys, particularly Waltham Holy Cross, and, as more religious brethren moved into the area, it is believed that many of the surrounding buildings on the site were used by the brethren as a place of residence and, given the power of the Church at that time, probably remained so until the Dissolution of the Church by Henry VIII.
During the 13th and 14th centuries the estate came into the ownership of the Earls of Lincoln and in the 17th century passed into the ownership of King James 1. It is believed that it was during this time the Mound became known as the "King's Hill". The estate remained in the hands of the crown until King Henry VIII.