Casterley Camp and associated monuments

Reasons for Designation

The most complete and extensive survival of chalk downland archaeological remains in central southern England occurs on Salisbury Plain, particularly in those areas lying within the Salisbury Plain Training Area. These remains represent one of the few extant archaeological "landscapes" in Britain and are considered to be of special significance because they differ in character from those in other areas with comparable levels of preservation. Individual sites on Salisbury Plain are seen as being additionally important because the evidence of their direct association with each other survives so well.

Seven hillforts are recorded in the Salisbury Plain Training Area. Hillforts represent a major settlement form for the Iron Age and, unless severely damaged, are considered worthy of protection. Significantly, all of these are associated with contemporary archaeological features such as field systems and land boundaries.

The importance of the Casterley monument is considerably enhanced by the series of late Iron Age enclosures occupying the interior of the hillfort. Excavation during the 1900s suggested that the late Iron Age occupation was of high status and a possible ritual function has been suggested.

Details

A large Iron Age/Romano-British enclosure with shallow enclosures and Romano- British occupation internally and a trackway to the west. 1 - A large Iron Age/Romano-British enclosure, possibly non-defensive in function and incomplete. Partially excavated in the 19th century. 2 - Three apparently related enclosures situated within Casterley Camp. Stock control and religious functions have been attributed to the enclosures. Partially excavated in the 19th century. (SU11645388) 3 - An area of Romano-British occupation within Casterley Camp. Partial investigation recovered Samian, New Forest and Coarse ware, coins, bronze earpicks, pins and tweezers, a stamp and knives, nails etc. (SU11585350) 4 - A trackway on the west side of Casterley Camp. There are traces of a bank on both sides.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

10037

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
Trust for Wessex Archaeology, (1987)
Wiltshire Library & Museum Service, (1987)

End of official list entry

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