Earthworks to E of Hartshill Castle

1 It is possible that around 1330, during the reconstruction of Hartshill Castle in stone, that several embankments were thrown across the valley on the E, forming a series of pools. They would constitute an additional defence; but as the W, the weaker side, has no such protection, they may not be of this period. It may be that it was in the C16, and not earlier, that the pools were made, as ornamental waters.
2 Ancient Monument Description.
3 Scheduled Ancient Monument Description (1985).
4 OS Card.
5 Although there is a naturally steep-sided valley, a change in slope on the W bank below the curtain wall suggests that the steep valley sides have been accentuated by man, to form – in conjunction with the pools – a formidable defensive earthwork.
7 Map.