Healaugh Hall Garth

Description

Building foundations documented in 1902 as lying to the NE of Healaugh Church, alleged to be those noted by Leland circa 1538 as the ruins of a manor house. No surface trace survives. Other earthworks in the vicinity may be part of this manorial complex. (PastScape)

Immediately behind the churchyard are the foundations of what in mediaeval days was a very strong castle–the one referred to by Leland: "There I saw great ruins of an ancient manor place of stone with a fair wooded park, that 'longed to the Earl of Northumberland." The area enclosed within the moat has been very large, and doubtless included the church and old village green. The foundations are still very distinct, and the position of the two outer Bailey towers can be defined. The position chosen is one of the best in the district, occupying the high tongue of land with all the surroundings well in view. It is supposed to have originally belonged to the Bruces, ancestors of the kings of Scotland, and afterwards to the Percys. (Bogg, 1902)

King writes possible castle site, Jackson writes alleged to be motte it is in fact the site of a manor house. Quite where Jackson gets the suggestion for a motte is unclear. Clearly was a manor house of some size and importance and almost certainly dressed with martial features although it is an open question as to whether this amounted to a 'castle'.