
📷 Photo by Ian Merivale · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Just outside Upper Tysoe stands Castle Hill Motte, a substantial earthwork that reveals layers of history stretching back centuries.
The visible remains are those of a Norman motte and bailey castle, where a wooden tower once commanded the landscape from atop the main mound, protected by an outer defensive enclosure. Walking around the site, you can appreciate the strategic positioning and understand how significant this fortification was in medieval times, with views across Warwickshire countryside spreading out below.
What makes Castle Hill particularly interesting is what lies beneath. Archaeological investigation has uncovered evidence of Roman activity here, suggesting the location held strategic importance long before the Normans arrived. This succession of occupation, from Roman settlement through medieval fortress, tells a compelling story about why this spot mattered to so many generations. The earthworks remain well-preserved enough to give you a genuine sense of the original scale and defensive design.
It's an ideal location for a walk if you want to combine exercise with a bit of historical reflection. The surrounding countryside rewards exploration, and you can take time to absorb both the landscape and the weight of what happened here over the centuries. Upper Tysoe and Lower Tysoe are close by, while Shipston-on-Stour offers convenient facilities nearby. Stratford-upon-Avon lies further afield if you're planning a longer visit to the area.
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Photos

M. Dibb · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

M. Dibb · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons