Camp in East Kidland Wood

Summary

Iron Age defended settlement 330m west of Knowstone Mill in East Kidland Wood.

Reasons for Designation

During the Iron Age a variety of different types of settlement were constructed and occupied in south western England. At the top of the settlement hierarchy were hillforts built in prominent locations. In addition to these a group of smaller sites, known as defended settlements, were also constructed. Some of these were located on hilltops, others in less prominent positions. They are generally smaller than the hillforts, sometimes with an enclosed area of less than 1ha. The enclosing defences were of earthen construction. At some sites these earthen ramparts represent a second phase of defence, the first having been a timber fence or palisade. In contrast to the hillfort sites, these would have been occupied by small communities, perhaps no more than a single family group. Defended settlements are a rare monument type. They were an important element of the settlement pattern, particularly in the upland areas of south western England, and are integral to any study of the developing use of fortified settlements during this period.

The Iron Age defended settlement 330m west of Knowstone Mill survives well and will contain important archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, use and landscape context.

History

See Details.

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 5 November 2015. The record has been generated from an "old county number" (OCN) scheduling record. These are monuments that were not reviewed under the Monuments Protection Programme and are some of our oldest designation records.

The monument includes an Iron Age defended settlement situated on the southern slope of the Crooked Oak Valley. The defended settlement survives as an oval enclosure measuring up to 70m long by 40m wide internally, defined by a rampart and partially buried outer ditch. There is a simple gap entrance on the east side.

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

DV 473

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

Sources

Other
PastScape Monument No:- 35683

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