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.
Details
The monument includes a small multivallate hillfort known as Bladon camp,
situated immediately south of Bladon Reservoir on Bladon Heath.
The hillfort has defences which include two concentric oval ramparts with
outer ditches which combine to enclose an area up to 200m across from north to
south and 180m from east to west. Both ramparts are of stone rubble
construction and have been partly levelled, varying in original width from
4m to 7m and standing up to 0.7m high.
The ditches have become partly infilled over the years and some sections
were re-cut earlier this century. The undisturbed sections are, however,
visible at ground level as slight depressions 0.3m deep and up to 7m wide.
They served the dual function of enhancing the defences and also provided
material for the construction of the ramparts. The original entrances are not
clearly defined but were probably located to the north western and south
eastern sides of the monument.
A series of spoil tips related to later quarrying in the area has confused the
plan of the original earthworks, particularly to the west.
The site was partially investigated in 1988 when fragments of Early Iron Age
pottery were recovered from the silt in the bottom of the ditch, providing
evidence of its date.
Excluded from the scheduling are the boundary fence of the reservoir and the
post and wire fence running through the woodland to the east, although the
ground beneath both of these features is included in the scheduling.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
21812
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals 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
