MEDIEVAL · MOTTE

Motte

Down, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 8130
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-and-bailey fortification located in County Down, Northern Ireland. Dating to the Norman period, likely the twelfth or thirteenth century, the site represents a common form of early Anglo-Norman defensive settlement in Ireland. The monument consists of an earthen mound characteristic of motte construction, which would originally have supported a timber palisade and structure. Such mottes formed a significant part of the Norman settlement strategy in Ulster and the wider Irish landscape during the medieval period.

Motte is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 8130. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Motte?

Motte is a medieval motte-and-bailey fortification located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 8130.

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 8130.

What other scheduled monuments are near Motte?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Anglo-norman coffin lids (2) (in c. of i. church) & site of medieval church (0.5 km), Navigation pillar (1.5 km), Raised rath (3.3 km).

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