MEDIEVAL · MOTTE

Motte

Ards, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 6506
Period
MEDIEVAL
Site type
MOTTE
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR)

Overview

History & significance

Motte is a medieval motte in the Ards Peninsula, County Down, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of an earthen mound characteristic of Norman and early medieval fortifications, dating from the medieval period. Mottes of this type were typically constructed as defensive strongholds and administrative centres during the establishment of Anglo-Norman lordship in Ireland, particularly from the twelfth century onwards. The site represents an important element of the medieval settlement pattern in the Ards region, reflecting the territorial control and military strategy of the medieval period.

Motte is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 6506. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Motte?

Motte is a medieval motte in the Ards Peninsula, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 6506.

What period does Motte date from?

Motte dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Motte?

Motte is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Ni. The official designation reference is 6506.

What other scheduled monuments are near Motte?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Castle espie brickworks powder and explosives store. powder store, cf ihr 2781 (3.5 km), Shell midden (3.7 km), Bivallate rath & possible souterrain (5.5 km).

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