Lying just to the north-east of the church are a few remains of an early Norman motte and bailey. Excavation’s carried out in 1947-9 by Dr. Brian Hope Taylor revealed the position of a number of the post holes, showing clearly that this was a timber structure that was never converted to stone. On top of the motte, which is between 35-40 feet in diameter, there are about twenty postholes that form a twelve-foot square plan, dating from about 1100. These were the holes of the square defensive tower or keep. Approximately 8-10 feet out from the tower is a 33 feet in diameter ring of about fifty closely set postholes that formed the outer defensive stockade. About three feet in from these, is a ring of twenty-five postholes, which held the supports for the stockades wall walk. A five-foot gap between two large postholes marks the position of the castle’s entrance. Abinger was remodeled in 1140 only to be demolished by treaty in 1153, during the reign of King Stephen (1135-1154). This is one of the few surviving examples where excavations have revealed the layout of a timber motte and bailey.

(not visited by the author)