A Tale of Two Castles

A Tale of Two Castles. . You are not far from the Old Baile, one of York's two motte and bailey castles. Walk along the city walls to explore Baile hill, which is what remains of Old Baile's motte (mound)., William the Conqueror had Old Baile, and the other castle (where Clifford's Tower is), built in 1068-69 to control York. Both were destroyed in a Danish attack soon after and had to be rebuilt., By 1466, the people of York were using the area of Baile Hill for grazing animals. Two Royalist cannon were placed on its motte during the Civil War (1642-44). A House of Correction (prison) was built in the bailey (courtyard) in 1802-1807. It closed 60 years later and was replaced by houses. During the Second World War, an air raid shelter was built next to Baile Hill., ------- , The courtyard (bailey) of the Old Baile is now mostly covered by Victorian housing. The motte (mound), known as Baile Hill, is the most striking remaining feature of the castle., Originally the motte had a timber keep or tower on it. From the top of the motte you can look across the River Ouse to Clifford's Tower, built on the motte of York's other Norman castle.