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
This monument includes an Iron age univallate hillfort with internal medieval
structures. It is situated on the top of a steep slope overlooking the valley
of the River Lyd to the south and a further steep valley to the north.
The hillfort survives as a rectangular enclosure defined by a rampart and
outer ditch, with medieval structures within which attest to subsequent reuse.
The enclosed area measures 66.5m long from north to south by 62m wide from
east to west. The outer ditch which surrounds the monument on three sides
measures up to 5.2m wide and 1.1m deep. To the north this ditch is replaced by
a steep natural scarp. The rampart measures up to 9m wide at the base and up
to 1.4m high internally. To the south an outer bank is also apparent above a
very steep natural slope, this measures up to 1.4m wide and 0.3m high. The
whole enclosure slopes gently to the north. There is an apparent entrance on
the eastern side.
Within the hillfort are a range of medieval structures. Central to the area is
a longhouse which measures internally 29.3m long, 6.3m wide and is defined by
low banks which measure up to 1.2m wide and 0.4m high. Surrounding this, on
all but the southern side, are a series of circular and oval pits and
depressions, as well as a two celled building and a square structure,
representing further traces of the sites's medieval occupation.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
30349
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
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
