ANCIENT EARTHWORKS beneath the summit of the mount. This court — containing two ponds — is quadrangular, and is inclosed by a vallum which, branching westerly at right angles to the mount, has a scarp of 38 ft. towards the sbuth, and supports foundations of masonry. Turning northwards it gradually decreases in height from 28 ft. to 20 ft. ; at the northern angle this vallum is cut through, and portions of the masonry of a gateway remain. Again turning to the south-west this circumvallation, with a scarp of nearly 40 ft., returns to the site of the original fosse of the mount, and is linked to the latter by a causeway. The external base of this bailey boundary is bordered by a stream on the north and west, the waters of which were utilized for swamping the fosse ; beyond these bounds ' a mere ' or marsh afforded an excellent natural defence. This notice of the later work has necessarily been interpolated whilst following the course of the fosse of the mount. The original formation of the fosse of the horse-shoe bailey has also had its earlier features changed at this point, for whereas it formerly joined the fosse of the mount, it was diverted and made to flank the north-eastern side of the later work. Mere Mer9 rootbr, l-«.3 Framlincham CASTir 597
