Abinger Motte is an 11th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded by William fitz Ansculf. The motte is partly encased by a wet ditch and the traces of a counterscarp bank but the position of the bailey has been lost. Excavations on the motte by Brian Hope-Taylor in 1949, showed two main phases of occupation, with the manor house built on the probable site of the bailey. In the mottes 11th century phase, a timber structure stood on the top, which was probably a tower, encased by a palisade. In the mid 12th century phase, the top of the mound was raised in height and a palisade of split timbers erected round the edge, encasing a small square tower. In 1273, David de Jarpenvill was holding Abinger Manor and pottery from this period was found in the ditch. 6 miles north-east is Betchworth Castle and 10 miles south at Rudgwick is Broomhall Copse.