Summary

Slight univallate hillfort called Hembury Castle.

Source: Historic England

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 5 November 2015. This record has been generated from an "old county number" (OCN) scheduling record. These are monuments that were not reviewed under the Monuments Protection Programme and are some of our oldest designation records.

This monument includes a slight univallate hillfort situated on a prominent hill overlooking the valleys of the River Duntz and Lydeland Water. The hillfort survives as an oval enclosure measuring 175m long by 115m wide internally and is defined by a rampart with outer ditch and counterscarp bank. Reports in 1867 suggest there was once a mound at the western end of the hillfort which was found to contain skulls and human remains of those killed during the surrender of Torrington in 1643, finds of two canon balls are also mentioned.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

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. Slight univallate hillforts are rare nationally, although in Devon they comprise one of the major classes of hillfort. They are important for understanding the transition between Bronze Age and Iron Age communities. Despite reduction in the height of the ramparts and disturbance to the interior through cultivation, Hembury Castle survives comparatively well and will contain important archaeological and environmental information relating to its construction, use and landscape context.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
PastScape Monument No:- 32912

Source: Historic England