Embleton Hall Bank Motte

Has been described as a Questionable Timber Castle (Motte)

There are no visible remains

NameEmbleton Hall Bank Motte
Alternative NamesRudd Beck
Historic CountryCumberland
Modern AuthorityCumbria
1974 AuthorityCumbria
Civil ParishEmbleton

NY 16202959. Tom Rudd Beck, Hall Bank. Enclosing land on two levels, in bend of stream, The upper level may be a slight motte, 40m N-S by 16m., sloping gradually east. On west are two ditches, 2 to 3m., and 1.5m deep respectively, extant for 45m., and possibly quarried-out for further 24m south. Outside this low, 3m broad bank. The lower level to north is bounded on west by pits (filled in ditches?) and bank. 40m long. NY 16232960. The burn has exposed a local stratification deposit, consisting of level slabs, stones and pebbles cemented by black mud and fine gravel, forming a very compact, hard, brittle layer, 30cms thick, at 1.2m depth. Exposed for 9m along west bank, not appearing on east bank, but with free 'slabs' of the material lying in the burn. Occupation layer? (PastScape–ref. 'Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments')

Alleged earthworks. Brennan could only locate faint traces of raised surfaces which according to the owner show clearly in drought conditions. She noticed "curious black stones" by the side of the stream bordering the field which appeared to have been exposed to intense heat. Also traces of iron deposits there. (Lake District HER)

Gatehouse Comments

This would be in a loop of a stream, just north of the isolated St Cuthbert Church, which may represent a DMV. A licence to impark in Embleton was issued to Thomas Ireby in 1285 which would suggest a high status dwelling in the area at this date and probably before. The 'hall' place-name adds slight evidence to this possibility. However the site of the manor house is probably Embleton Moat at NY15482915.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceNY162295
Latitude54.6544189453125
Longitude-3.30037999153137
Eastings316200
Northings529590
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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