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. 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. 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.
The slight univallate hillfort known as Combs Farm Camp is reasonably well preserved and retains significant archaeological deposits. Such deposits will inform on the construction, layout, use and abandonment of the site and will add to our knowledge and understanding of Iron Age society and economy. It will also provide information on the continuity and change in the use of the site from the early settlement to the hillfort and beyond.
Details
This monument includes a slight univallate Iron Age hillfort, known as Combs Farm Camp. It is situated on sloping ground to the east of Warren Hill and survives as a curving earthwork bank with an outer ditch enclosing an area of around 1.4ha. Partial excavation has revealed survival of buried remains and that the bank has a kerb standing to around 0.2m high. Finds included pottery, brick and tile of Roman date, along with a Bronze Age socketed axe and a flint scraper and knife. Aerial photography shows that earlier, curvilinear enclosures survive beneath the hillfort, which are associated with an earlier settlement.
Modern farm buildings are excluded from the scheduling although the ground beneath is included.
SOURCES
PastScape Monument No:-320231
NMR:- SK65NW2
