Hallsteads Iron Age camp

Summary

Settlement enclosure, 230m south west of Garth Foot Farm.

Reasons for Designation

During the mid-prehistoric period (seventh to fifth centuries BC) a variety of different types of defensive settlements began to be constructed and occupied in the northern uplands of England. The most obvious sites were hillforts built in prominent locations. In addition to these a range of smaller sites, sometimes with an enclosed area of less than 1ha and defined as defended settlements, were also constructed. Some of these were located on hilltops, others are found in less prominent positions. The enclosing defences were of earthen construction, some sites having a single bank and ditch (univallate), others having more than one (multivallate). At some sites these earthen ramparts represent a second phase of defence, the first having been a timber fence or palisade. Within the enclosure a number of stone or timber-built round houses were occupied by the inhabitants. Stock may also have been kept in these houses, especially during the cold winter months, or in enclosed yards outside them. The communities occupying these sites were probably single family groups, the defended settlements being used as farmsteads. Construction and use of this type of site extended over several centuries, possibly through to the early Romano-British period (mid to late first century AD). Defended settlements are a rare monument type. They were an important element of the later prehistoric settlement pattern of the northern uplands and are important for any study of the developing use of fortified settlements during this period. All well-preserved examples are believed to be of national importance.

The settlement enclosure 230m south west of Garth Foot Farm is preserved as an earthwork. Partial excavation has shown that the monument will contain archaeological deposits relating to its construction, use and abandonment and waterlogged environmental deposits relating to the use of the surrounding landscape. The monument provides insight into the character of settlement and subsistence during the Iron Age period.

History

See Details.

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 30 March 2016. This 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 the remains of a settlement enclosure of Iron Age date, situated on a slight rise. The enclosure is sub-oval in plan and has a central platform 100m across surrounded by a partial bank. Partial excavation revealed waterlogged deposits, which preserved organic remains such as a pointed stake and a squared log.

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

CU 459

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

Sources

Other
PastScape Monument No:- 12523

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