Summary
Carl Wark hill fort occupies the summit of a high rocky plateau. The dry stone defences utilize outcrops on all but the west side where the weakest natural defences are strengthened by a stone faced earthen bank which completes the enclosure and is generally in good condition.
Identification Images (0)
Monument Types
- HILLFORT (Iron Age - 800 BC to 42 AD)
- HILLFORT (Saxon - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
Description
A defended gritstone outcrop, only the NW end of which is on land covenanted to the Trust. Carl Wark Hill fort occupies the summit of a high rocky plateau. The dry stone defences utilize outcrops on all but the west side where the weakest natural defences are strengthened by a stone faced earthen bank which completes the enclosure and is generally in good condition. There is now no visible evidence of internal hut sites. There is a single entrance on the SW side. T.C.Welsh noted that two possible outworks are visible across the SW and NW aspects of Carl Wark on R.A.F. air photos. The outer appears as a distinct terrace.
A section excavated in 1950 by F.G.Simpson through the earth bank showed it to be of turf sod construction and upon this evidence the fort has been dated to the Dark Ages, perhaps the 5th or 6th century. Later workers have suggested an Iron Age date.
The massive stone faced rampart (which has commenced in the north where the natural protection offered by the steep cliff ends) is about 40 m. long, 8 m. across the base narrowing to 3 m. across the top and is 3 m. high. The inturned entrance in the southwest is about 7 m. maximum length and 2.5 m. wide at the inside and about 1.7 m. high. Two rock cut basins are evident outside the west wall.
[1] Threats and management options were assessed in 2011.
References
- SNA67079 - Report: ArcHeritage. 2014. Carl Wark Hillfort, Hathersage: Conservation Management Plan.
- SNA67080 - Geophysical Survey Report: West Yorkshire Archaeological Services. 2016. Carl Wark, Peak District National Park: Geophysical Survey.
- SNA67178 - Unpublished document: Archaeological Research Services Ltd. 2012. Peak District Hillforts: Conservation and Management Audit. p28-43.
- SZE1417 - Monograph: A J Challis. 1975. Later Prehistory from the Trent to the Tyne, British Archaeological Report 20. 20.
- SZE15512 - Photograph - black and white: Harry Beamish. 01/09/1987. Millstone dressing Site, Carl Wark, Longshaw Estate. 28.
- SZE15954 - Photograph - black and white: Harry Beamish. 01/09/1987. Longshaw meadow, Longshaw. 27.
- SZE22720 - Photograph - black and white: Harry Beamish. 01/09/1987. Defense wall at Carl Warl Fort, Longshaw. 31.
- SZE26198 - Photograph - black and white: Harry Beamish. 01/09/1987. Carl Wark- defences, Longshaw. 30.
- SZE495 - Monograph: C M Piggott. 1951. Notes and News - Carlwark, a hill-fort in South Yorkshire. 25.
- SZE6589 - Article in serial: J Barnatt. 1986. Bronze age remains on the East Moors of the Peak District,. Derbyshire Archaeological Journal 106.
- SZE7684 - Monograph: Forde Johnston. 1976. Hillforts.
- SZE9867 - Graphic material: T C Welsh. 1976. Letter and sketch to O.S. re. Longshaw Estate.
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
- HER/SMR Reference (External): 130
- National Park
Associated Events
- ENA8611 - Heritage Assessment, Conservation Management Plan for Carl Wark Hillfort, Burbage Moor
- ENA8612 - Remote Sensing, Geophysical Survey of Carl Wark, Burbage Moor
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
None Recorded