Bulmer Tye Pepper Mill Hill

Also known as, or recorded in historical documents as; Peppermint Hill

In the civil parish of Bulmer. In the historic county of Essex (Modern Authority of Essex, 1974 county of Essex).

PastScape record reads "Probable Medieval mill mound, the circular earthen mound, measures approximately 30m in diameter by 3.2m high, with a ditch 1m deep on the north side. The mound has been mutilated on the west side, and a rectangular depression, possibly later in date, has been dug on the east side. Its exact purpose is uncertain." Site consistent with castle, close to rectangular moated site. SMR report reads "Motte and bailey on Auberins Estate - could be round barrow (?). It is near the supposed half-hundred of Thunders?? (now lost). According to OS field report, 1976, a mound known locally as "Peppermint or Peppermint Hill" at the side of the main road at the edge of the estate. It measures about 30m in diameter, by 3.2m high with a slight mutilation on the east side of the top. A rectangular dry pond has been dug to the east of the mound with a ditch 1m deep around the north side. From its appearance and the close association of the pond it would appear to be Medieval in date, but its exact purpose is obscure. Surveyed 1983. A moated mound, 50m in diameter, situated in woodland, adjacent to the Halstead-Sudbury road. A wet ditch survives around two-thirds of its circuit. It is tentatively suggested as a small motte, and faint traces of a further ditch to the north may represent a small bailey."

The Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference is TL85023904

Air Photo from Air Photo and general mapping	1st edition OS Map from Mid to late 19th century maps
Modern Map from Landscape form and features	Modern Map from General location and route planning
Geograph British Isles occasionally has photos of the site and will usually give an idea of the surrounding landscape.

Sources of information, references and further reading

This site's English Heritage (PastScape) Defra or Monument number is 381658
This site's County Historic Environment Record (formerly Sites and Monuments Record) number is 9388 'grey' literature, such as watching brief reports, held by H.E.R.s is often poorly referenced and is unlikely to be recorded in this website.

• Journal Articles
  • Milton, P. and Priddy, D., 1984-85, 'Surveys of two small earthwork castles at Elmdon and Bulmer' in Priddy, D. (ed) 'Work of the Essex County Council Archeological Section 1983-84' Essex Archaeology and History Vol16 p116-118