Small multivallate hillfort with outworks called Coney's Castle

Reasons for Designation

Small multivallate hillforts are defined as fortified enclosures of varying shape, generally between 1 and 5ha in size and located on hilltops. They are defined by boundaries consisting of two or more lines of closely set earthworks spaced at intervals of up to 15m. These entirely surround the interior except on sites located on promontories, where cliffs may form one or more sides of the monument. Earthworks may consist of a rampart alone or of a rampart and ditch which, on many sites, are associated with counterscarp banks and internal quarry scoops. Access to the interior is generally provided by one or two entrances, either simple gaps in the earthwork or inturned passages, sometimes with guardrooms. The interior generally consists of settlement evidence including round houses, four and six post structures interpreted as raised granaries, roads, pits, gullies, hearths and a variety of scattered post and stake holes. Evidence from outside numerous examples of small multivallate hillforts suggests that extra-mural settlement was of a similar nature. Small multivallate hillforts are rare with around 100 examples recorded nationally. Most are located in the Welsh Marches and the south-west with a concentration of small monuments in the north-east. They are a rare form of hillfort and important for understanding the nature of settlement and social organisation within the Iron Age period. Despite some disturbance from the road and quarrying, the small multivallate hillfort with outworks called Coney's Castle survives comparatively well and will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, longevity, trade, agricultural practices, social organisation, territorial significance, domestic arrangements and overall landscape context.

Details

The monument, which falls into two areas of protection, includes a small multivallate hillfort with outworks, situated on the southern end of a prominent ridge which forms the watershed between several tributaries to the River Char. The hillfort survives as an irregular, elongated inner enclosure defined by two concentric rampart banks and a medial ditch on all except the western side where the steep natural slope is topped by a single rampart bank with additional outworks to the south forming a similarly-defined enclosure. In total the interior of both enclosures covers approximately 4ha. The hillfort is bisected by a road, and this area is excluded from the scheduling. The inner rampart has been largely fossilised within hedge banks. Gravel quarrying has occurred in the northern part of the interior.

Sources: HER:- PastScape Monument No:-

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

DO 98

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

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