Reasons for Designation
Roman forts are rare in south-west England and this site, is an important
addition to our understanding of the Roman advance into and occupation of
Devon and the far South-West. Agriculture has caused only slight disturbance
to the surface of archaeological features and limited excavation has enhanced
understanding of the site while leaving the majority of it undisturbed.
Excavation and aerial photographs reveal good preservation of the diverse
range of features (ditches, rampart, gateways, causeways, roads and other
structures) within and around the earthworks.
Details
The Roman Fort site at Bolham Hill is that of an earth and wood fort of the
last quarter of the first century AD. It is 1.40ha in area and of classic
"playing card" shape, with a single rampart and ditch, causeways and gateways
through these and roads crossing the interior. Excavation has shown that the
fort is remarkably well-preserved, the road surfaces, for example, being
undisturbed and the rampart surviving to a height of 10cm. Aerial photographs
reveal further structures in the unexcavated parts of the interior and
associated cropmarks outside the rampart.
The above ground remains of the derelict Bolham Hill Barn are excluded from
the scheduling, the ground beneath the barn, however, is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
10502
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
