Reasons for Designation
Slight univallate hillforts are defined as enclosures of various shapes,
generally between 1ha and 10ha in size, situated on or close to hilltops and
defined by a single line of earthworks, the scale of which is relatively
small. They date to between the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age (eighth -
fifth centuries BC), the majority being used for 150 to 200 years prior to
their abandonment or reconstruction. Slight univallate hillforts have
generally been interpreted as stock enclosures, redistribution centres, places
of refuge and permanent settlements. The earthworks generally include a
rampart, narrow level berm, external ditch and counterscarp bank, while access
to the interior is usually provided by two entrances comprising either simple
gaps in the earthwork or an inturned rampart. Postholes revealed by excavation
indicate the occasional presence of portal gateways while more elaborate
features like overlapping ramparts and outworks are limited to only a few
examples. Internal features included timber or stone round houses; large
storage pits and hearths; scattered postholes, stakeholes and gullies; and
square or rectangular buildings supported by four to six posts, often
represented by postholes, and interpreted as raised granaries. Slight
univallate hillforts are rare with around 150 examples recorded nationally.
Although on a national scale the number is low, in Devon they comprise one of
the major classes of hillfort. In other areas where the distribution is
relatively dense, for example, Wessex, Sussex, the Cotswolds and the
Chilterns, hillforts belonging to a number of different classes occur within
the same region. Examples are also recorded in eastern England, the Welsh
Marches, central and southern England. In view of the rarity of slight
univallate hillforts and their importance in understanding the transition
between Bronze Age and Iron Age communities, all examples which survive
comparatively well and have potential for the recovery of further
archaeological remains are believed to be of national importance.
Details
The monument includes a slight univallate hillfort at Fox Covert situated at
the west end of a steep sided spur. The earthworks enclose approximately
3.25ha and are for the most part determined by the natural contours, except at
the east end where they cut across the spur.
The approach at the east end is almost level and the defences here include a
substantial outer ditch 7.5m wide, that was recorded as being 1.8m deep in
1975, but which has since been largely backfilled with modern building
material. Behind the ditch is a slight bank about 0.3m high which has been
much reduced by ploughing. There are two gaps in the defences on this side,
one of which may represent an original entrance. An old quarry pit,
approximately 20m long and 7m wide, occupies the south east corner and has
obliterated all signs of the defences at this point.
The remainder of the defences run along or just below the edge of the spur. On
the north and west sides these consist of a scarp, a ditch and a low
counterscarp bank. These terminate on the west side at a point of later
quarrying and survive best on the north side where the ditch is approximately
3m wide and the height from the bottom of the ditch to the top of the scarp is
approximately 1.8m. The counterscarp bank is up to 3m wide and 1m high in
places, although elsewhere it is only 0.3m high. The south and south west
sides are formed by simple scarping. This is clearly in evidence on the south
side but is less pronounced on the south west side.
Just inside the hillfort, on the west side, is a subcircular mound 14m in
diameter and 0.8m high with a slight hollow in the centre. This has been
interpreted as a bowl barrow, but is immediately adjacent to an area of modern
quarrying.
Excluded from the scheduling are the triangulation point, all drystone walls
and fence and gate posts, although the ground beneath these features is
included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
29780
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
