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This large mound in the churchyard about 30m north of Holy Cross Church was presumed until comparatively recently to be a Bronze Age tumulus. It is now accepted as a castle motte, probably early Norman, although there appears to be little historical evidence. It is a flat topped mound measuring 30m across the base, 8m across the top and is 4m high. The ground falls away sharply to the north, but on the south side of the motte there are the remains of a ditch. The bailey, if present, would lie under the churchyard, church and former rectory.
Tyne and Wear HER (141): Ryton motte: Link
Pastscape: Link

There is an old undated photo 'Tumulus in Holy Cross Church yard, Ryton' on iSee Gateshead (Ref. 09_19): Link (Archive Link )