Castle Hills (Huntingdon)
Castle Hills is the name of a pleasant grassy area in Huntingdon, close to the Old River Bridge over the River Great Ouse.
It is here that the Norman Huntingdon Castle once stood.
The castle was built in 1068, one of a number built on the instructions of William the Conqueror to intimidate the English.
It was a motte and bailey castle, and made of wood.
During the 12th century, the castle came into the possession of the Earls of Huntingdon, one of whom was also King David I of Scotland, who built what is now known as the Old Grammar School. David supported Richard the Lionheart and his brothers in their rebellion against their father Henry II, and in retaliation Henry ordered the castle to be demolished.
Today, only earthworks remain, including the mighty motte. However, a good deal was destroyed for a former railway line and for the present day bypass.