[NY 81177055] Sewingshields Castle [G.T.] (Site of) [T.I.] (1)

The Castle belonged to Sir Robert Ogle, who died in 1437. A tower in decay was recorded in 1592, and the size of the ruins suggests that it was never more than this. There are traces of ditches near it. (2)

There are no visible remains of the tower at NY 81177055. It appears to have been defended on the west side by a single ditch, the remains of which are now discernible only as a very slight unsurveyable ground depression. (3)

The castle overlooked the crossing of the Whin Sill, little remains now. It was probably a large tower, and had been abandoned by 1542. Remains levelled in 19th century. Fishponds and field boundaries are all that are visible today. No recorded finds from the site. (4)

Sewingshields Castle, [details as above]. (5)

The castle and manor are first attested in the 13th century, and were occupied into the 16th century, despite reports of its decay. The placename is believed to derive from a Scandinavian name dating from the 11th century. (6)

Site visited as part of a Farm Environment Plan, where assessed as in a good condition. (7)

Founded in the 14th or early 15th century, last documented in 1541 when it was ruinous, the site now ploughed over. Listed by Cathcart King and Dodds. (8a-b)

General association with HER 7836 (enclosure), HER 7837 (fishponds). (8)