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. Importantly, all of these are
associated with contemporary archaeological features such as field systems and
land boundaries.
Details
The scheduled area includes an Iron Age hillfort, an unenclosed Iron Age
settlement, a cemetery, three bowl barrows, a field system and enclosure
within the hillfort, and two strip lynchet systems outside the hill fort.
1 - An Iron Age hillfort with a double row of earthen defences enclosing an
area of c.10 hectares. There are entrances in the east and north-west.
2 - An area of Iron Age settlement to the north of Battlesbury Camp hillfort.
Partial excavation in the 1950's revealed traces of postholes and pits which
contained animal bones and pottery.
3 - An inhumation cemetery near the north-west entrance of Battlesbury Camp
hillfort. Several human skeletons, skulls and part of a horse skeleton have
been found at various times. The cemetery is considered to be of Iron Age
date.
4 - A strip lynchet field system lying on the slopes to the south-east of
Battlesbury Camp hillfort. The lynchets are up to 2m high.
5 - A strip lynchet field system lying on the slopes to the north-east of
Battlesbury Camp hillfort. The lynchets are over 2m high in places.
6 - A small Bronze Age bowl barrow partly overlain by the outer defences of
Battlesbury Camp hillfort. Partial excavations in the 19th century produced a
primary cremation and two secondary skeletons. (ST89784543)
7 - A Bronze Age bowl barrow lying between the inner and outer defences of
Battlesbury Camp hillfort. Partial excavations in the 19th century produced no
finds. It has been suggested this feature may be a windmill stance or a small
motte. (ST89804545)
8 - A small Bronze Age bowl barrow partly overlain by the outer defences of
Battlesbury Camp hillfort. Partial excavations in the 19th century produced a
cremation. (ST89794544)
9 - A small circular enclosure within Battlesbury Camp hillfort. (ST89934562)
10 - Traces of field system inside Battlesbury Camp hillfort.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
10081
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
