Worcester siege castle, Red Hill

Has been described as a Questionable Siege Work

There are cropmark/slight earthwork remains

NameWorcester siege castle, Red Hill
Alternative NamesDigley
Historic CountryWorcestershire
Modern AuthorityWorcestershire
1974 AuthorityHereford and Worcester
Civil ParishWorcester

In 1149 King Stephen burnt the city, but the Castle, which had been strongly fortified, resisted his attempts; the remains of one of the forts then reared, may be seen on Red Hill, near Digley; another stood on Henwick's Hill. (Timbs and Gunn)

Gatehouse Comments

This is probably a reference to Diglis or Green Hill (If this are not the same). However, there was a mound at Red Hill which was used as a gallows mound and gibbet (see WCM91098). Whether this was originally a siege mound is open to much question, but is not impossible, although it is over a mile from from the castle. Worcester Castle and city were attacked on several occasions and besieged In 1151 and again in 1264 (and in the C17 English Civil War). However, because siege castles were recorded for the 1151 siege all possible siege mounds get ascribed to 1151.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSO868538
Latitude52.181209564209
Longitude-2.19279003143311
Eastings386800
Northings253800
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

No photos available. If you can provide pictures please contact Castlefacts

Most of the sites or buildings recorded in this web site are NOT open to the public and permission to visit a site must always be sought from the landowner or tenant.

Calculate Print

Books

  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 2 p. 508 (only records 2 siege castle)
  • Timbs, J. and Gunn, A., 1872, Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England and Wales Vol. 2 (London) p. 494 online copy