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. They date to the Iron Age period, most having been
constructed and occupied between the sixth century BC and the mid-first
century AD. Small multivallate hillforts are generally regarded as settlements
of high status, occupied on a permanent basis. Recent interpretations suggest
that the construction of multiple earthworks may have had as much to do with
display as with defence. 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, which either appear as 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. In view of the
rarity of small multivallate hillforts and their importance in understanding
the nature of settlement and social organisation within the Iron Age period,
all examples with surviving archaeological potential are believed to be of
national importance.
Details
The monument includes a small multivallate hillfort and an associated
cross-ridge outwork. Situated on the first line of hills rising above the
coastal plain, the site overlooks the Bristol Channel, and inland commands
views to Dunkery Hill.
The fort, roughly circular in shape and enclosing 1.2ha, is at one end of a
short ridge on the summit of a gently sloping hilltop, with a steep drop to
the south-west. It can be seen from at least four other defensive enclosures.
The defences include an inner and outer rampart, separated by a ditch. The
ramparts, which are of rubble construction, survive up to 2m high, and the
ditch up to 2m deep. The two entrances to the interior are on the east and
west sides of the fort. These consist of a simple gap and causeway on the
west, whilst on the east the banks are inturned. Outside the eastern entrance
the ditch and second bank turn out to flank a 45m approachway, which appears
to be a later addition.
Slight ridges and furrows can be seen in the interior of the fort running
NNE/SSW. These may be recent, as local knowledge suggests that the fort was
used to grow potatoes in World War II.
To the south-east of the hillfort is an outwork. This crosses the other end of
the ridge to the hillfort and the bank is of similar scale and construction,
c.200m long, but with no outer rampart. It follows a sinuous course, zig-
zagging in the middle and fading out at either end, with no apparent gap.
Short lengths of low bank survive running from near its northern tip, and
these may be remnants of a contemporary field system.
Excluded from scheduling are all modern fences and posts, although the ground
beneath these is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
24002
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
