Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Maiden Castle is an Iron Age promontory hillfort in County Durham. It is a promontory of great natural strength to the east of the city of Durham, covering two acres and protected on all but the west side by steep natural slopes. The north, south and east slopes are very steep, especially the last, which rises about 100 feet above the river Wear. Although the entire site has been overgrown with trees for over a century, there are remains of earthworks at the western end. The name 'maiden' probably means a 'fortification that looks impregnable' or one that has never been taken in battle. Alternatively, Maiden Castle comes from the Brythonic 'moe din' meaning 'grassy plain'. It is within the council area of County Durham.
Historic England Scheduled Monument 1008844.

Place Type: Hillfort
Historic County: Durham
Lat, Long: 54.769288,-1.5615254
Grid Reference: NZ 2830 4168
Civil Parish: City of Durham CP
Council Area: County Durham CA
Strategic Authority Area: North East SA
Police Area: Durham PA

GBPN ID: 303126
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Maiden_Castle,_Durham_303126

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