Post by 2e0edx on Dec 3, 2013 17:28:39 GMT
Aldingham Motte & Bailey
The earthworks of the motte at Aldingham were probably raised from an earlier ring work structure by Michael de Fleming around 1100 which still remains but can only be seen from a distance. The Flemings raised the motte even higher in the 12th century, but abandoned it in the 13th century, probably moving to the moated site of Aldingham Grange manor house that lies to the rear of the motte. This is still a well preserved mound in the middle of a water filled moat.
The motte is around 30 feet high, with a ditch surrounding it to a depth of around 10 feet. The ditch varies in width from 15 to 20 feet across.
On looking at the above photo, this location may give me my first opportunity to operate a CASHOTA location from the shoreline and beach areas using the newly acquired GM3VLB `Islander' vertical antenna as I'm led to believe that the shoreline can be accessed from a footpath that runs from the graveyard of St Cuthberts church about two miles down the coast on the Cumbrian Coastal Walk path.
Alternatively the site being to the east of the A5087, South of Bardsea and about 6 miles south of Ulverston has new access that the land owner seems to have provided. The footpath that runs East from the A5087 is unchanged, but once onto the coastal path, and walking North towards the castle earthworks, the narrow path is marked on either side by an electric fence. Where it meets the motte, the path then continues down the hill towards the moated manor, giving good access and views of the water filled moat.
Certainly a recce will be carried out in the near future with a view to access, distance to walk and whether it will be a totally QRP equipment operation using the FT-817 or whether larger batteries can be taken down to the shoreline to enable the FT-857 to be used using the 50W allocated.
Any member with more local knowledge that they could pass on would be greatly appreciated.
Will keep all members informed.
73's
Ian 2E0EDX
The earthworks of the motte at Aldingham were probably raised from an earlier ring work structure by Michael de Fleming around 1100 which still remains but can only be seen from a distance. The Flemings raised the motte even higher in the 12th century, but abandoned it in the 13th century, probably moving to the moated site of Aldingham Grange manor house that lies to the rear of the motte. This is still a well preserved mound in the middle of a water filled moat.
The motte is around 30 feet high, with a ditch surrounding it to a depth of around 10 feet. The ditch varies in width from 15 to 20 feet across.
On looking at the above photo, this location may give me my first opportunity to operate a CASHOTA location from the shoreline and beach areas using the newly acquired GM3VLB `Islander' vertical antenna as I'm led to believe that the shoreline can be accessed from a footpath that runs from the graveyard of St Cuthberts church about two miles down the coast on the Cumbrian Coastal Walk path.
Alternatively the site being to the east of the A5087, South of Bardsea and about 6 miles south of Ulverston has new access that the land owner seems to have provided. The footpath that runs East from the A5087 is unchanged, but once onto the coastal path, and walking North towards the castle earthworks, the narrow path is marked on either side by an electric fence. Where it meets the motte, the path then continues down the hill towards the moated manor, giving good access and views of the water filled moat.
Certainly a recce will be carried out in the near future with a view to access, distance to walk and whether it will be a totally QRP equipment operation using the FT-817 or whether larger batteries can be taken down to the shoreline to enable the FT-857 to be used using the 50W allocated.
Any member with more local knowledge that they could pass on would be greatly appreciated.
Will keep all members informed.
73's
Ian 2E0EDX