Settlement deserted — medieval in Middlemount

No visible surface remains of earthworks to W of motte, a silage pit and a quarry are now located in the vicinity of these earthworks. The earthworks were described by Carrigan as 'the 'Moat of Middlemount' (LA028-050001-), properly called the "Moat of Laragh" (LA028-050001-), while the ridge to the W is intersected by several artificial trenches' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 61). These earthworks form part of the outer defences of the motte (LA028-050001-), however there are earthworks to the N of the motte which were recorded by Canon Carrigan in 1905 and which show up on 2009 aerial photographs (Google Earth 2009). In 1905 Canon Carrigan recorded that on 'the north side of the Moat, about 20 yards from its base, is a plot, a quarter of an acre in extent, called "the Friar's garden"; its fences are still well marked. In the small space between it and the Moat, are some slight traces of a house, evidently the residence of the friar from whom the garden is named' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 61). These earthworks may be the remains of a deserted medieval settlement associated with the motte and bailey (LA028-050001-). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 04 July 2012