The Gatehouse website record for Tissington Ringwork

In the civil parish of Tissington. In the historic county of Derbyshire (Modern Authority of Derbyshire, 1974 county of Derbyshire).

Possible ringwork listed by King.
Adjoining the churchyard at Tissington on the north side of the church is a very similar earthwork to that at Hathersage (qv) much worn down, with a diameter of about 130 ft. (VCH)
The earthwork remains of a Civil War redoubt at Tissington. The monument is situated on the brow of a hill and affords good views of the main, northern approach road into the village, Tissington Hall and the church. The remains include a three sided square enclosure which measures 28 metres across. The enclosure is defined by an internal bank, or rampart, which measures up to 0.75 metres high and 5 metres wide with an external ditch 3 metres wide. Another bank runs parallel to the western side of the ditch and measures 5 metres wide. This would have served to enhance the edge of the ditch on the west side where the land slopes steeply away. Tissington Hall was garrisoned for the king by its owner, Colonel Fitzherbert in December 1643. In 1644 the Parliamentarians routed the Royalists hereabouts but following unsuccesful action near Ashbourne in February 1644, the garrison was withdrawn. (PastScape)
Is this a new C17 earthwork or a medieval castle reused in the C17 siege of Tissington Hall? The location, adjacent to the church, is absolutely typical for a small castle and if there had been no Civil War action in the area would probably be unquestioningly accepted as a ringwork to which it clearly has some resemblance. As I read the map it is not on the brow of the hill and I suspect if it had been a fresh Civil War build a location slightly further up the hill and away from the church might have been chosen. However, given an existing earthwork in a near ideal position it would be no surprise if it was altered and used by Civil War soldiers.

The Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference is SK17645232

Sources of information, references and further reading

This site's English Heritage (PastScape) Defra or Monument number is 308110
Further information may be available from the holder of the county Historic Environment Record. In particular '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, or elsewhere.

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