Sheriff Hutton Motte is an early 12th century earth and timber ringwork and bailey fortress, founded by Ansketil de Bulmer. The predecessor to Sheriff Hutton Castle, it stands on a ridge which has been scarped on its north and south sides. The square ringwork still retains its substantial earthwork rampart and its deep U-shaped ditch to the north, east and south sides. Through its western entrance, is a level area of ground which marks the area of the bailey. 7 miles north is Slingsby Castle and 10 miles south-east is Leppington Castle.