works found that the wooden keep, a large framed tower with tapered sides, had been built on the natural ground level and the motte had been piled up against it afterwards, using spoil from the ditch. The sides of the motte had originally been revetted with wood, so that only a timber wall would have been visible. Entrance to the tower was through a tunnel at the base of the motte. The castle was probably destroyed in 1143, but finds at the site suggest that occupation continued for a time afterwards. The castle remains are on private land and there is no public access, although a public footpath runs close to the site. References External links St Giles' Church website Official population figures (PDF) Villages in Hertfordshire Hertsmere Civil parishes in Hertfordshire Places formerly in Middlesex