Summary
Extensive 'Celtic' field system associated with a small circular settlement site, covering the whole property.
Identification Images (0)
Monument Types
- CELTIC FIELD SYSTEM (Iron Age - 800 BC to 42 AD)
- TRACKWAY (Iron Age - 800 BC to 42 AD)
- FARMSTEAD (Iron Age - 800 BC to 42 AD)
- OVAL ENCLOSURE (Iron Age - 800 BC to 42 AD)
Description
This settlement on Ringmoor is probably an Iron Age farmstead of Little Woodbury type, it lies on a broad spur which slopes gently downwards from Bell Hill in the west, to the dry valley north of the village in the east. The settlement is associated with trackways and with 'Celtic' fields ( 110,562, 110,562*1). There are possible traces of second enclosure south of the present site, but this is almost totally ploughed out and difficult to interpret
The top of the spur is largely covered by a layer of clay-with- flints. The settlement site comprises a small oval enclosure with the entrance on the east. The enclosure measures 45 meters by 33 meters internally and is defined by a bank about 3.6 meters across and up to 1.2 meters high with an external ditch 3 meters across and 0.3 meters deep. Traces of a second bank outside the ditch occur on the north and north-east. Occupation features, chiefly in the form of levelled areas, occur within the enclosure, particularly along the west side and also, in association with a small outwork, on the south side of the entrance. A track 3 meters to 4.5 meters wide and flanked by low banks or lynchets of 'Celtic' fields runs from west to east down the spur, passing along the north side of the enclosure; it is joined immediately west of the enclosure by a similar track running up from the south. Towards its south end the second track enters an open area, widening to the south, and flanked on each side by 'Celtic' fields; the track runs along the east side of the area and disappears in a belt of thick scrub, to the south of which the ground has been levelled by heavy ploughing ( RCHM 1970, p. 291-292).
Occasional scrub obscuring the earthworks, notably on the small circular settlement site itself. Otherwise well grazed, and in very good condition.
References
- SNA65319 - Unpublished document: National Trust, Wessex Region. 2012. Ringmoor/Turnworth Common - Historical Ownership and Land Use.
- SZN13142 - Photograph - colour: J Poock. 14/02/1998. Ringmoor - Earthworks 13/98.
- SZN19245 - Aerial Photograph: 24/05/1960. Aerial photograph of the circular settlement site and associated fields and trackways at Ringmoor, f.
- SZN26622 - Aerial Photograph: 18/03/1966. Aerial photograph of the circular settlement site and associated fields at Ringmoor, from the south-.
- SZN362 - Monograph: RCHME. 1970. An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset, Central Dorset. III.
- SZN36797 - Photograph - colour: J Poock. 14/02/1998. Ringmoor - Earthworks 17/98..
- SZN41743 - Photograph - colour: J Poock. 14/02/1998. Ringmoor - Earthworks 18/98..
- SZN46111 - Photograph - colour: J Poock. 03/05/1997. Animal Hole on Side of Settlement Enclosure Bank at Ringmoor.
Other Statuses and References
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- HER/SMR Reference (External): 2065 7
- National Monuments Record Reference: ST80NW12
Associated Events
- ENA6892 - Field Survey, Ringmoor and Turnworth Common - Historical Ownership and Land Use
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
None Recorded