During the 11th century, York boasted two 'motte and bailey' fortifications, one on each side of the River Ouse. Baile Hill is the motte of the western one.

Image 1

Photo as per caption. Opens larger version.
Baile Hill and the wall-top walkway near Skeldergate. The top of is just visible above the motte and through the trees.

Image 2

Photo as per caption. Opens larger version.
Skeldergate Wall Walk Access Tower (left) and Baile Hill (top-right), viewed from the opposite side of Skeldergate.

Practical Information

Baile Hill is best appreciated from the opposite side of Skeldergate (the viewpoint of Image 1), or from the wall-walk near Skeldergate Wall Walk Access Tower (the viewpoint of Image 2), or from Baile Hill Terrace (a residential street that runs parallel with - and inside - the city wall). Also, it is much easier to see the shape and size of the motte in late autumn, winter and very early spring (when the lower level vegetation has died-back and there are no leaves on the trees or shrubs).