Summary

Small multivallate hillfort with outwork known as Milber Down Camp, 300m north west of Little Haccombe Farm.

Source: Historic England

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 28 October 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, which falls into two parts, includes a small multivallate hillfort with outwork situated on a gently sloping hill overlooking a valley of a tributary to the River Teign. The monument survives as three concentric rectangular enclosures with an outwork to the south-west all defined by banks with partially buried outer ditches. The innermost enclosure measures approximately 135m long by 115m wide internally. The outermost measures up to 230m by 225m internally. All three enclosures are defined by banks, which vary in height from 0.5m to 1.5m. To the north east they have been reduced by cultivation. The partially buried ditches surrounding each of these ramparts are up to 0.5m deep. Approximately 100m to the south west lies the outwork, the bank is up to 1m high and the outer ditch survives as a buried feature. The hillfort was partially excavated in 1937 – 8. This produced 1st century BC pottery, bronze objects from the 1st century AD, a decorated spindle whorl and an iron object. These finds were concentrated in the middle enclosure. All three enclosures were contemporary and simply constructed with a V shaped ditch. The innermost enclosure appeared to have been used entirely as a stock pen. There are connecting passages between the inner and central ramparts on the western side protected by a bank. The whole hillfort is bisected by a road, which is excluded from the scheduling. William of Orange occupied the camp and used it as an artillery emplacement. Finds relating to this occupation were made in 1845. The outwork has been attributed to this period.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

Small multivallate hillforts are defined as fortified enclosures of varying shape, located on hilltops. They are defined by boundaries consisting of two or more lines of closely set earthworks spaced at intervals of up to 15m. These entirely surround the interior. They date to the Iron Age period, most having been constructed and occupied between the sixth century BC and the mid-first century AD. Small multivallate hillforts are generally regarded as settlements of high status, occupied on a permanent basis. Recent interpretations suggest that the construction of multiple earthworks may have had as much to do with display as with defence. Earthworks may consist of a rampart and ditch. Small multivallate hillforts are important for understanding the nature of settlement and social organisation within the Iron Age period.
Despite reduction in the height of the surviving earthworks partly as a result of both cultivation and gravel extraction, the majority of the hillfort at Milber Down survives comparatively well. The hillfort and outwork will contain important archaeological layers and deposits relating to its construction and use as well as environmental information concerning its landscape context.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
Griffith, F, Devon's Past: An Aerial View, (1988)
Other
PastScape Monument No: 446096

Source: Historic England