Description: View south towards Broadmeadow Hall.
The name PILSBURY (Pilesberie) derives from Pil's (Old English) burg, meaning fort or fortified manor of the Pil family. All that remains of Pilsbury castle in modern times are this collection of impressive earthworks, sat on top of a limestone knoll jutting out into the Dove valley. This point was chosen for good reason as it dominates the narrow valley, affording good views in both directions. There is a Roman Road close by and it is suggested that the site here had Roman origins. It is believed that the timber castle was built in the late 11th or early 12th century. The castle was probably used as an administrative centre for the local manor. This would have been the manor that William I granted to the De Ferriers family, for services rendered during the conquest. The castle was probably only in use for little over one hundred years, as by the thirteenth century the De Ferriers descendants, who were by then earls of Lancaster, had transferred to Hartington 2 miles down river.
See http://pilsburycastle.org.uk/ for additional information on Pilsbury Castle.