More
From Ars Magica
Contents |
Situation
Saxton Map: More
On the river plain of the River West Onny, half a km NE from Lydham, between it and the river. It lies about 3km NNE of Bishops Castle.
History
This may be the location of Matefelun or Moretoin which are refered to in various historical documents. There are traces of Roman settlement in the area - the buildings not corresponding well withthe standard villa, so possibly connected with lead mining, or hunting. A 'pig' of Roman lead was found in the area in 1767.
More does not appear in Domesday.
Church
St Peter's church stands in the centre of the village. The squat west tower, and the north wall are 13th century, The wooden double pyramid atop the tower may well be 17th century.
Castle
On the western edge of the village, a motte, with a 58m square bailey to the east, and a rectangular outer bailey beyond that. The motte (35m base diameter, 20m summit) overlies a post-conquest ringwork, and was formed by filling in the ringwork. It was surrounded by a 9m wide ditch, linked to the ditch around the inner bailey. "Mora" was held by Roger de la More in Searjenty under Henry I. He was required to raise 200 foot-soldiers.
