Archaeology Sites

Scheduled Ancient Monument - Castle Stede

District: Lancaster
Name: Castle Stede, Hornby.
Description: Motte and bailey castle dating to the mid 12th century. Adjacent Loyn Bridge of medieval date.

Motte and Bailey Castle, above the River Lune, Hornby. This is one of a series of late 11th Century mottes along the Lune Valley, of strategic importance but more importantly imposing the new post-Conquest feudal order. With the site at Halton, probably the best surviving motte and bailey in Lancashire.

Castle Stede consists of a motte and bailey castle situated at the north west extremity of a ridge of high ground projecting to the banks of the River Lune overlooking the Loyn Bridge. The monument consists of a conical motte surrounded by a ditch on three sides. To the west is an oval bailey defended by a rampart and ditch on its south side. To the north and north west a steep slope down to the river provides protection. A modern causeway, possibly on the site of the original, gives access to the bailey whilst a mound and a cutting on the west side of the motte indicates the site of access from the bailey. During World War II a pill box was constructed on the southern outer edge of the bailey

The Loyn Bridge at Gressingham carries the road between Gressingham and Hornby and is of stone construction. It consists of three segmental arches and has very massive cutwaters, each having an angular recess at road level. The double arch rings are built in two orders. The date is possibly 16th century, but there is no certain dating material. It is 4.26m wide at the recesses, and 3.1m wide elsewhere. An earlier bridge of 1591 is reported as being in "dangerous condition".

A ford must have preceded the bridge, for the latter is deflected, and traces of a ford are visible in the direct line of the road.

SD: 58280,69750

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Lancashire County Council OS Licence No.100023320 2003