Hayes Castle

Hayes Castle is a castle located in Distington, with its present name likely derived from a corruption of Aykhurst. A licence to crenellate was granted in 1322 to Robert de Leyburn, indicating that the castle was probably established before this date. Originally, it consisted of a tower house on a motte, surrounded by a curtain wall and a moat, though it is now in ruins. The moat still exists on the north and west sides, but only the north wall of the square-plan tower house remains on the motte. The structure features sandstone block facings with a rubble core, measuring approximately 4 feet thick and 20 feet high. Other stones from the castle have been re-used in nearby buildings. Hayes Castle is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.