Coddington Mud Hill

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Motte)

There are earthwork remains

NameCoddington Mud Hill
Alternative Names
Historic CountryCheshire
Modern AuthorityCheshire
1974 AuthorityCheshire
Civil ParishCoddington

Consists of a flat-topped mound of red sand 32m diameter & up to 2.5m high, with a surrounding ditch 7m wide and 0.5m deep. The size and shape of the mound seem indicative of a late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age ditched bowl barrow. (Cheshire HER)

The field in which the mound lies is known as Mud Field, which is probably a corruption of Moot Field (PastScape–ref. field investigator 1964). The mound is over-large for a barrow hereabouts, and would appear to be a motte. It is situated on the W bank of the Coddington Brook near the church, and commands an extensive view in all directions except to the S. It's top is flat and measures 12.0m N of S by 10.0m E to W. (PastScape–ref. field investigator 1976)

In a field opposite is an immense tumulus, composed of red sand, about 26 yards in height, and 100 yards in circumference at the base. A considerable portion of it has been removed, but it has not penetrated to the centre. Nothing was discovered in this operation which can lead to any conjectures as to the object or the period of its formation. (Ormerod–26 yards high must be an error presumably he meant 26 feet)

Thought to be either a possible Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age ditched bowl barrow, or a possible castle (King 1983, 69; CHER 1824). However, its location and comital manorial tenure point to a definite motte. The motte is 32m in diameter and c. 2.5m high, with the surrounding ditch 7m wide 0.5 m deep (King 1983, 69; CHER 1824). It coomands an extensive view in all directions, except to the south. (Swallow 2016)

Gatehouse Comments

Isolated now very small mound in field near church, no sign of bailey. Mentioned as possible castle by King (based on OS report), who did fully inspect the site, although King tended to use possible when he had serious doubts about a site. Swallow appears more certain of it as a motte. The ditch is visible on lidar but difficult to see with the eye on site. Prior to July 2016 recorded as 'questionable' in this database. Given Swallows comments re-graded to 'possible' although Gatehouse still has some doubts.

- Philip Davis

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSJ452552
Latitude53.0917587280273
Longitude-2.81861996650696
Eastings345200
Northings355200
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Salter, Mike, 2001, The Castles and Tower Houses of Lancashire and Cheshire (Malvern: Folly Publications) p. 21 (slight)
  • Harris, B.E. and Thacker, A.T. (eds), 1987, VCH Cheshire Vol. 1 p. 82
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 69 (possible)
  • Ormerod, G., 1882 (2edn), History of the County Palatine and city of Chester (London) Vol. 2 p. 371
  • Ormerod, G., 1819, History of the County Palatine and city of Chester (London) Vol. 2 p. 398 (tenurial history) online copy

Journals

  • Swallow, Rachel, 2016, 'Cheshire Castles of the Irish Sea Cultural Zone' The Archaeological Journal Vol. 173.2 p. 288-341
  • Hogg, A.H.A. and King, D.J.C., 1963, 'Early castles in Wales and the Marches: a preliminary list' Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol. 112 p. 77-124 (possible)