Little Doward, Ganarew, Herefordshire: Analytical Earthwork Survey of the Hillfort and Rapid Landscape
Author(s): Mark Bowden
The earthworks of Little Doward hillfort and its associated landscape were surveyed in January to March 2009, at the request of and with the assistance of Herefordshire Archaeology. Woodland was cleared from the interior of the hillfort in 2008 by the owners, the Woodland Trust, in association with the Wye Valley AONB. Survey was required to inform future conservation management of the site and presentation to the general public. The hillfort was surveyed in detail at a scale of 1:1000, the surrounding landscape summarily at 1:2500. The late prehistoric hillfort occupies a limestone massif on the north bank of the Wye, which includes dramatic landforms such as cliffs and caves. It comprises two parts, an upper NW enclosure and a lower SE enclosure; it is argued here that the latter is the primary site of activity and the possible significance of Bronze Age burial in the locality is discussed. Within the fort are the remains of a rabbit warren, of medieval or post-medieval date, and traces of iron mining. The surrounding landscape was transformed from common land in the early 19th century into a private deer park and pleasure grounds. Remains of landscaping works undertaken in the second quarter of the 19th century are striking and abundant.
- Report Number:
- 72/2009
- Series:
- Research Department Reports
- Pages:
- 17
