History of York

William the Conqueror ordered two castles to be built in York, one on either side of the River Ouse.

They formed a defensive system in response to the recent violent unrest.

'York Castle' was later reinforced and eventually rebuilt in stone and so now appears much more substantial.   But originally both castles were of a similar size and layout.

Baile Hill is the name given to all that remains of York's other castle.  It was the man-made mound, or motte, of the castle.

Excavations in 1979 revealed remains of timber buildings and a strong fence at the summit of the mound, together with a staircase up one side.  The surrounding bailey was defended by a bank of earth built on top of the original Roman city wall.