Exploring Baille Hill Castle: York’s Forgotten Medieval Fortress

 

Whatever happened to Baille Hill Castle in York?

Rachel on Baille Hill

Tucked away in York’s Bishophill area, Baille (or Baile) Hill Castle—also known as the Old Baile—is a charming hidden gem of English history that fires the imagination and whispers tales of the Norman Conquest to any visitor with open eyes and an active imagination. 

Imagine you're the castellan (constable), standing on the top of the wooden castle high on the castle mound, gazing first down to the bustling south-westerly bailey below, at the blacksmith firing up his forge, grooms leading horses from the stables, a woman scattering grain at the scratching hens.... then you  glance east across the River Ouse, a defensive chain slung from east to west... your focus shifts directly ahead at the neighbouring castle, its motte also high, but this time, your stomach twists. How had the castellan there secured a stone tower whilst yours is still made of wood? 

Despite your frustration, your breath catches at the splendour of the moat, the stone 'Clifford's Tower' and the huge York Castle Bailey... a view that would have been much like that in the painting below. 

A medieval view of York (Clifford's) Castle from the other side of the River Ouse

But back to the forgotten Baille Hill. Built by William the Conqueror in 1069, Baille Hill, like its neighbour, was critical to securing York during the  turbulent post-conquest era, but unlike its more famous eastern counterpart, 'Clifford’s Tower', the medieval motte-and-bailey fortress of Baille Hill is in danger of going unnoticed by visitors. 

A Brief History

Baille Hill Castle was constructed in 1069 as part of William the Conqueror’s campaign to subdue northern England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Positioned on the west bank of the River Ouse, opposite York Castle (now Clifford’s Tower), it formed a strategic defensive system to control the city.  Originally it consisted of a 40-foot-high circular earthen mound (motte) topped with a wooden tower and a fortified courtyard (bailey) on the south-west side surrounded by a ditch. Excavations have revealed the remains of 12th century buildings on the top of the Motte. The Motte survives to an average height of 7.7 metres.

Baille Hill with Motte and Bailey to South-West

In September 1069, both York castles faced a fierce attack from a Danish Viking fleet and local rebels, leaving them partially destroyed. William swiftly rebuilt Baille Hill, reinforcing its importance. By the late 12th century, the castle passed to the Archbishops of York, who clearly didn't appreciate what they had and leased it for grazing! Disused by 1322, it was was incorporated into the town defences, but once again it saw brief action during the English Civil War in 1644, when two cannons were placed on the motte to defend against a siege. 

Today, the motte remains (the first image shows me walking atop it) while the bailey has largely been built over. 

Fun Fact: Excavations in 1979 uncovered remnants of 12th-century timber buildings and a staircase on the motte, offering a glimpse into its medieval past!

Why Visit Baille Hill Castle?

While Baille Hill may not boast the grandeur of Clifford’s Tower, its understated charm and historical significance make it a must-visit for history buffs and medieval enthusiasts. Here’s why:

• Rich History and a Hidden Gem: Escape the crowds, walk along the city walls to Baille Hill an enjoy a peaceful moment at this lesser-known site. Stand on the same mound where Norman soldiers once surveyed York, and imagine the wooden castle’s role in the Harrying of the North.
• City Walls Connection: Baille Hill is part of York’s iconic city walls trail, offering scenic views and a chance to explore the city’s defences. See the York Wall Trail.
• Free Access: No entry fees— you can simply climb the motte and soak in the history!

Located at the junction of Baille Hill Terrace and Cromwell Road, the site features an information board with a QR code for additional details, making it an educational stop on your York adventure.

South corner of York walls including Baille Hill

Baille Hill in My Research Journey

As I put the finishing touches on the second novel in my medieval historical fiction series about a trailblazing woman who defied conventions, Baille Hill has been a source of inspiration. York features as part of a subplot in the story - a tragic tale about real people and as I stood atop the motte, trusty medieval map of York in hand, I was transported back to the 12th Century. 

York Castles

So there were two castles in York. One to the east of the river - now known as 'York Castle' or 'Clifford's Tower', the other on the west of the river - now known as 'Baille Hill Castle'. What isn't clear is what they were called in the 11th or 12 centuries. 

So what of Clifford's Tower? 

The day after my visit to Baille Hill I visited Clifford's Tower and grilled an English Heritage expert on what he knew about 'York Castle's" 12th Century structure. I'm very grateful to him for his insights and the follow up email exchanges.  My question: also motte-and-bailey, but was 'York Castle' or 'Clifford's Tower' in the 1100s made of wood or stone, and was it a shell keep or a traditional Norman/ square keep? I've researched the answers, but that'll form part of another blog post, so stay tuned for more research tidbits as I weave York’s past into my story!

Fun Facts About Baille Hill Castle

• A chain once stretched across the River Ouse from Baille Hill to Clifford’s Tower, controlling river access to York’s heart.
• The motte was lowered in the 19th century to make farming easier, reducing its original height.
• A hoard of silver pennies from Edward the Confessor and William I was found on Baile Hill in the early 19th century.
• During the Civil War, the motte was reshaped to support two cannons, a rare moment of military use after centuries of grazing.

Plan Your Visit to York’s Medieval Past

Baille Hill Castle is a testament to York’s layered history, from Norman conquest to medieval grazing grounds. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fiction writer like me, or a curious traveller, this forgotten fortress offers a unique glimpse into England’s past. Pair your visit with the other castle, Clifford's Tower, along with the impressive York Minster, the Jorvik Viking Centre, the remains of St Mary's Abbey or a riverside walk along the Ouse.

Visiting York? Add Baille Hill to your York itinerary and remember the people who built, lived and fought on its ancient mound. Share your visit in the comments or follow my blog for more medieval adventures and updates on my upcoming novels!