Mountsorrel Castle is an 11th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded by Hugh Lupus, earl of Chester. The northern part of a granite outcrop, has been scarped into a circular motte, with the remaining platform becoming the now mutilated bailey. The castle was abandoned in 1217, after King Henry II ordered it to be razed to the ground. The motte now crowned by a war memorial, is partly quarried away and on the south side of the hill, are the remains of a wide bailey ditch. 9 miles south-west is Groby Castle and 12 miles west is Donington-le-Heath Manor House.