Prehistoric field system and settlements on Kerswell Down and Whilborough Common

Reasons for Designation

Stone hut circles and hut circle settlements were the dwelling places of prehistoric farmers. Most date from the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC). The stone- based round-houses consist of low walls or banks enclosing a circular floor area; the remains of the turf, thatch or heather roofs are not preserved. The huts may occur singly or in small or large groups and may lie in the open or be enclosed by a bank of earth or stone. Frequently traces of their associated field systems may be found immediately around them. These may be indicated by areas of clearance cairns and/or the remains of field walls and other enclosures. The longevity of use of hut circle settlements and their relationship with other monument types provides important information on the diversity of social organisation and farming practices amongst prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period and a substantial proportion of surviving examples are considered worthy of protection.

The prehistoric field system and settlements on Kerswell Down and Whilborough Common survive well and will contain important archaeological information relating to the use of this area during prehistoric times. Excavations on similar sites in the vicinity have highlighted the importance of this area during the prehistoric period.

Details

The monument, which falls into two areas, includes a prehistoric field system, together with settlements situated on Kerswell Down and Whilborough Common. The field system survives as a series of interconnected banks forming several rectilinear fields. The fields are aligned on two main axes and the boundaries themselves survive as low rubble banks measuring 2m wide and 0.2m high. There are several small clearance cairns within the field system and at NGR SX 86886748 is an 80m diameter circular enclosure. A large number of circular platforms survive within the monument and whilst some may represent the remains of early quarries others are the stances for small prehistoric houses. The concrete bases for benches and made up footpath surfaces are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath is included.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

36029

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Quinn, G F, Devon Archaeological Society Proceedings in A New Survey of the Prehistoric Field System on Kerswell Etc., Vol. 53, (1995), 131-4
Quinn, G F, Devon Archaeological Society Proceedings in A New Survey of the Prehistoric Field System on Kerswell Etc., Vol. 53, (1995), 131-4
Quinn, G F, Devon Archaeological Society Proceedings in A New Survey of the Prehistoric Field System on Kerswell Etc., Vol. 53, (1995), 131-4

End of official list entry

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