Note 443 — Chapter VII · THE CASTLES OF THE NORMANS IN ENGLAND

This resemblance to a pit may be seen in every motte which still retains its ancient earthen breast-work, as at Castle Levington, Burton in Lonsdale, and Castlehaugh, Gisburne. Perhaps this is the reason that we so frequently read in the Pipe Rolls of “the houses in the motte” (domos in Mota) instead of on the motte. Devizes Castle is another and still more striking instance.