The Gatehouse. The comprehensive listing of medieval fortifications and castles in England and Wales.
Home | Books | Links | Fortifications and Castles | Other Information | Help | Downloads | Author Information | Contact

Pepper Mill Hill, Bulmer Tye

Also known as, or recorded in historical documents as; Peppermint Hill

In the civil parish of Bulmer.
In the historic county of Essex (Modern Authority of Essex, 1974 county of Essex).

PastScape record reads "Probable Medieval mill mound, the circular earthen mound, measures approximately 30m in diameter by 3.2m high, with a ditch 1m deep on the north side. The mound has been mutilated on the west side, and a rectangular depression, possibly later in date, has been dug on the east side. Its exact purpose is uncertain." Site consistent with castle, close to rectangular moated site. SMR report reads "Motte and bailey on Auberins Estate - could be round barrow (?). It is near the supposed half-hundred of Thunders?? (now lost). According to OS field report, 1976, a mound known locally as "Peppermint or Peppermint Hill" at the side of the main road at the edge of the estate. It measures about 30m in diameter, by 3.2m high with a slight mutilation on the east side of the top. A rectangular dry pond has been dug to the east of the mound with a ditch 1m deep around the north side. From its appearance and the close association of the pond it would appear to be Medieval in date, but its exact purpose is obscure. Surveyed 1983. A moated mound, 50m in diameter, situated in woodland, adjacent to the Halstead-Sudbury road. A wet ditch survives around two-thirds of its circuit. It is tentatively suggested as a small motte, and faint traces of a further ditch to the north may represent a small bailey."

This site has been described as a;
Timber Castle.
The confidence that this site is a medieval fortification or palace is Possible.
Earthworks remains.


The Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference is TL85023904

Modern Map fromOrdnance Survey logo

Good for landscape form and features

Modern Map from streetmap logo

Good for general location

Sources of information, references and further reading

PastScape number; 381658

County Sites and Monuments Record number; 9388

  • Journal Articles
  • Most of the sites or buildings recorded in this web site are NOT open to the public and permission to visit a site must always be sought from the landowner or tenant
    The information on this web page may be derived from information compiled by and/or copyright of English Heritage and other individuals and organisations.
    It is an offence to disturb a Scheduled Monument without consent. It is a destruction of everyone's heritage to remove archaeological evidence from any site without proper recording and reporting. Don't use metal detectors on historic sites without authorisation.
    Please help me to make this as useful a resource as possible by contacting me if you see errors or if you can add information.
    I do acknowledge the help I get with this site.
    Go to Previous Record Go to Next Record Back to List
    This record last updated on Friday, April 6, 2007

    Home | Books | Links | Fortifications and Castles | Other Information | Help | Downloads | Author Information | Contact
    ¤¤¤¤¤