Of similar construction to Cambridge Castle, the diameter, high citadel-type motte and bailey is thought to be a royal defence built by William the Conqueror following submission of the Isle from rebels such as the Earl Morcar and the folk-hero Hereward the Wake.
Osmerokotnik je obnovil Alan of Walsingham med letoma 1322 in 1328 po razpadu prvotnega ladijskega prehoda 22. februar 1322.