Whorlton Castle, Swainby, North Yorkshire

Built in the early 12th century Whorlton Castle is a good example of a motte-and-bailey fortification that continued to be used until it fell into disrepair in the 14th century. What we see today is just the gatehouse. 

The Domesday Book shows Whorlton belonging to Robert, Count of Mortain, William the Conqueror's half brother, just one of 797 other manors granted to him in recognition of providing the largest force of men to help at Hastings.

I have been greatly distracted in recent months reading the stories of Brother Hermitage, a Saxon monk who was roped into being King Harold's investigator of murders, just before Hastings. One thing led to another and William continued using him, under the threat of death, as his 'King's Investigator'. Hermitage has been described like Cadfael meets Clouseau. I'm on book 21 of 25 and they haven't lost their appear yet.