Note 365 — Chapter VII · THE CASTLES OF THE NORMANS IN ENGLAND
Reading edition
In an inquisition of Henry de Laci (+ 1311) it is said that “castelli mote et fossæ valent nihil.” (Whitaker’s History of Whalley, p. 280.) This is probably an instance of the word motte being applied to a natural rock which served that purpose. See another instance under Nottingham, post, p. 176.