Baile Hill entrance to walls

Baile Hill is the earth mound behind the tower and dates back to 1068 when it was constructed as a second fortification after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The defence was a typical Motte and Bailey construction like the site where Clifford's Tower now stands on the other side of the River Ouse. Nobody knows which mound was constructed first although it is generally thought that the one on the eastern side of the river was built first.