Dunmallard small multivallate hillfort

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 remains are believed to be of national importance.

Dunmallard small multivallate hillfort is a small example of this class of monument and only has defences where the natural setting itself provides insufficient defence. It survives reasonably well and will retain evidence of the activities undertaken within the enclosure and the methods utilised in its defence.

Details

The monument includes Dunmallard small multivallate hillfort, located on the summit of Dunmallard hill overlooking the foot of Ullswater. It includes an enclosure with internal measurements of approximately 92m north-south by 39m east-west. The enclosure is defended on all sides except the central part of the east side, where it has eroded down the steep slope, by a partly stone-revetted bank measuring up to 9m wide and 3m high and an external ditch measuring up to 9m wide and 1m deep. A second bank and ditch of slighter proportions protect the northern end of the site. The entrance into the hillfort's interior is located at the southern end of the western side where a narrow gap penetrates obliquely through the defences.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features, considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

23685

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Challis, , Harding, , British Archaeological Reports in Later Prehistory from the Trent to the Tyne, Vol. 20 ptii, (1975), 122,46
Taylor, M W, Trans Cumb and West Antiq and Arch Soc. Old Ser. in On The Vestiges of Celtic Occupation Near Ullswater, Vol. I, (1870), 157-9

Other
AM107A (FMW Report), Crow, J, Dunmallet Hill Fort, (1984)

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