Hornby Castle
The vicarage trench has produced evidence of at least four well constructed stone built priest’s houses stretching back into the 12th Century on the basis of pottery dating. One of the structures has a sub-circular post hole built detached kitchen associated with it. The quality of building involving the use of well coursed mortared dressed stone is more characteristic of housing at a gentry level than the expected peasant type housing. Comparisons may be drawn with the surviving stone built priest’s houses from the south west found in association with monastic landholdings.
The north wall of the Great Tower has at last been located with foundations again at least 4.2 metres thick with evidence showing up of internal layout and a rudimentary form of central heating with charcoal filled flues in the western wall. Some evidence of internal use at the point of destruction has been found with three separate sets of ceramic distilling apparatus made in the Lincoln area , one of which contained residue. Also found from the floor surface has been a gilt bronze sewing thimble made in London in the 15th Century and a silver long cross halfpenny of King Henry III.
From the moat has come probably the most interesting material with the skeleton of a greyhound who died escaping the building when attacked in the 15th Century. Also the base plate of a timber bridge, a section of decking and a drawbridge pit containing the wooden counter weight for the bridge have all been recovered. The skeleton of a young wild boar has also been found walled up in the foundations of the gate1
New volunteers are always welcome who will be expected to join the Society. Please contact via email: Erik Matthews.
