Survey of English Place-Names

Etymology

Castle Hill. “The most observable matter at Bishopton is the ancient mound or stronghold in a field at the East end of the village” Surtees III 67. It consists of a substantial motte, some 30' high, encircled by a deep circular ditch and defensive position strengthened by surrounding marshland. The estate was granted by Bishop Ranulf Flambard to Roger Conyers. On the usurpation of the see by William Cumin in 1143 Roger refused to do him homage and fortified his house. The lawful bishop on coming into his bishopric stayed first at Bishopton and received homage.Whether Castle Hill dates to this time or is earlier is unknown. There is a photograph of the site in Anglo -Norman Durham 1093 –1193 , ed. David Rollason, Margaret Harvey and Michael Prestwich, Woodbridge 1984, p. 360 plate 80. See also William Aird, St Cuthbert and the Normans : The Church of Durham , 1071 –1153 , Studies in the History of Religion XIV, Woodbridge 1998, p. 211, VCH I 353 and Symeonis Monachi Opera Omnia , ed. T. Arnold, 2 vols, Rolls Series 75, 1882–5, II 314.