ANCIENT EARTHWORKS thickly covered with trees and underwood, it is difficult to make a perfect survey, but the accompanying plan is approximately correct. WouLDHAM. — In a strip of woodland, sometimes, owing to its shape, called ' Shoulder of Mutton Wood,' on the border of this parish and Rochester,' is an isolated mount of unknown date. ' Old yew trees grow upon its sum- --— i.-- --^ mit, and it bears the appearance of extreme age, but record is silent as to the period of its construction. SECTION or fort in Beyond what is shown by the smoulder of mutton wood accompanying section, it is needful only ^iear wouldham, kent to add that its position is such as to command the eastern approach to an old ford, or ferry, across the Med- way, and gives a comprehensive oversight of the surrounding country. We may be tempted to suggest that it was an outpost of the Norman works at Rochester, three miles northward, but cannot so affirm. CASTLE MOUNTS WITH ATTACHED COURTS [Class E] Allington Castle. — It is not within our province to describe the picturesque remains of the stone castle, or to recall its historical associations ; but around and about the site are traces of the earlier castrametation, which must be mentioned in this chapter. Long before masons' work was used, there was on this spot a mount and court stronghold, defended by moats and ramparts, having as its leading feature an earthen mount, surmounted by a ring of strong palisading, or stockading, which surrounded a timber-built keep.° Timber stockading was also carried along the ramparts of the court, or bailey, adjoining the mount, and a moat, abundantly supplied with water from the Medway, probably enclosed the whole of the works. Examination of the surface levels leads to the conclusion that the moat was wider than at present, especially on the eastern side of the bailey, the alterations being accomplished perhaps in Elizabeth's reign, when the place seems to have been remodelled. Though tradition reports that there was a castle here in Saxon days, and that it was devastated by the Danes, it is probable that we owe the earliest earthworks to Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, to whom the place was granted by William the Conqueror, or to William de Warenne, who obtained it on the fall of Odo.' There is an interesting entry in the Pipe Rolls of Henry II. (i 174-5), In prosternendo castello de Al'mtona 60s., showing that sum to have been expended in throwing down this private stronghold. There » St. Margaret Intra. ' See reference to this class of fortress under Saltwood Castle, post. ' For an old-time antiquary's opinions see Kilburne (R.), Survey of Kent (1659). 411
