In the area of Lancaster known as Aldcliffe, close to the canal and on the edge of countryside, there is an ancient field called Hill Meadow. In this field, I have read, there is an artificial hill, a few hundred feet across and about fifteen feet high. The local story about this hill is that it was built by Cromwell, with the purpose of using it as a platform from which to fire his cannon at Lancaster Castle.

I discovered this mound, fenced off in an otherwise open field, and wonder if it is the hill?  It is not quite the size the sources mention, but the Castle is indeed visible from here. Perhaps it is the one. I think it more sensible, however, to assume that it is a barrow. Has it ever been excavated?  And who erected the fence?

Text and Image copyright Melanie Warren.