Parwich; The Castle

Description

Smith writes there is archaeological evidence of a fortification here. The South Peak Archaeological Survey 1986-88 writes this feature, though known as 'the castle' is quarry spoil. Derbyshire HER record reads 'Earthwork in a figure of eight shape which has been cut through by strip fields. It was constructed on shales on the hillslope above the sewage works; the lower portion sits lower than the main (ringwork?) feature.'

This obscure earthwork, approximating a ‘figure of eight’ plan has been alleged to be a medieval ringwork and bailey. The site comprises an oval ringwork with maximum dimensions of c . 60m north-south x 40m north-south, featuring traces of a possible entrance on the north side, and a smaller lunate ramparted enclosure c. 25m east-west x 20m north-south appending to its east side. The smaller enclosure appears partially overlain by the larger unit, and both appear to be cut by a reversed S-shaped field boundary marking the edge of a medieval strip. The sighting is certainly unconventional for a ringwork - constructed on the natural slope, so that the upper enclosure overlooks the lower unit - and the presence of known prehistoric earthworks, including several tumumli the vicinity of Sitterlow farm to the south and Blanchmeadow to the north, cast considerable doubt on its status as a medieval fortified site. (Creighton 1998)

Comments

Certainly these low mounds below a hillside outside the village would be an unlikely place to build a castle when a motte like natural hill lies in the centre of the village.