The Yoder

Description

Clark lists in Durham "The Yoder.–A large moated mound between Horden and Eden Hall."

This would seem to be the the area of the DMV of Yoden.

'The Yoden, which distinguished itself from South Yoden, and from the north side of Eden Dene overlooked Hartness, has dwindled to a farm-house or two. But the site of its village, perhaps, exists in a field about half-way in a line between Horden Hall and Eden Hall. The field is full of ruins within, as it appears, a bounding trench, and on their north side is a large cone, doubly or trebly trenched in a semi-circular manner, from the top of which a commanding and beautiful view of the sea-coast is acquired.' (Longstaff)

The 'cone' referred to is mentioned also in the excavation report of 1885 vide infra: it is there made clear that this is a slightly inaccurate description of the natural hill which rises to the north-east of the earthworks. (Brigantia 2004)

The site of the village was visible as 'ruins within .... a bounding trench, and on their north side a large cone, doubly or trebly trenched in a semi-circular manner' according to Longstaffe. Excavations in 1884 by Mrs R Burdon showed the remains to be Medieval. Foundations were found clustered on the south and west of the conical hill or 'large cone' which was a natural feature. Other mounds proved to be earthworks only. Finds included a grinding stone, a hone, probable 14th-16th green-glazed pottery, a bronze buckle, animal bones shells and iron ore. (PastScape–ref. Middleton)

Comments

Mentioned in the VCH (1905) which suggests a village defence.
In the early 1970s attempts were made to preserve the site 'as a park of archaeological interest with easy access for the public'. This involved destroying the archaeology by using a tractor drawn rotovator prior to (unsuccessful) grass seeding!