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 Elworthy Barrows, a univallate hillfort located just
below the summit of a broad ridge which extends along the Brendon Hills area
of Exmoor.
The hillfort, which is believed to be unfinished and of Iron Age date, is
approximately circular in plan and lies on open ground which slopes
gradually to the south and south east. An area of about 3.5ha is defined
by an earthwork bank and outer ditch. The construction of the hillfort on
the north side is less advanced than the remainder of its circuit and is
formed in this sector by a low and uneven earthen bank with a narrow break
in its length and flanked along its north side by a series of shallow
quarry ditches. The low bank is thought to represent the material
excavated from the quarry ditches that was retained for the future
construction of a rampart which was never completed. A small deep pond
which is located adjacent to the north east corner is probably the result
of past quarrying activities. The east side of the hillfort is defined by
a bank with a berm and shallow outer ditch which together provide an
overall width of 22m. A gap formed by two banks which curve inwards to
form a narrow inturned entrance passage is located in the east side just
to the south of the centre.
The construction of the southern circuit of the hillfort is considered to
have been fully completed. It is formed by a bank with a maximum height of
6m and an outer ditch up to 4.5m wide with traces of a low outer bank
which gradually levels out. The profile of the inner bank and ditch on the
extreme south side has been disturbed by a 19th century field bank. A gap
in the bank on the south west side is believed to be original and it has
been suggested that this may have been left open deliberately as an
intended entrance. The bank to the north west of the entrance is
approximately 3m high above the interior of the hillfort and its outer
face is about 9m high above the base of the ditch. Elworthy Barrows has
been described as a fortified settlement, one of several of similar date
recorded in the region and this may account for its location in a position
which offers no natural defences.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
35318
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
