Monument record MDO5606 - Iron Age and Romano British Settlement on Gussage Hill, Gussage St Michael

A "banjo enclosure" complex of presumed Iron Age date, part of a cluster of similar enclosures plus field systems and multiple ditched linears on Gussage Hill (see ST 91 SE 3 and associated monument records). Aligned roughly northwest-southeast, the complex comprises an irregular enclosure defined by ditch and external bank. A pair of banjo enclosures intrude into its northeastern side. The southernmost banjo enclosure had been recorded in the early 19th century by Colt Hoare as an earthwork, along with associated linear features and the earthworks of the main enclosure. The southern banjo was discovered more recently via air photography. Pits are visible on air photgraphs within and around the two banjo enclosures, while between them, within the main encloed area, what has been described as an "occupation area" has been revealed by ploughing. This comprises patches of dark soil associated with concemtrations of pottery, primarily of Roman date but with some late Iron Age material also present. Colt Hoare apparently noted traces of occupation continuing as far as the north end of the main enclosure. More recently, sherds of haematite-coated furrowed bowl, described as early Iron Age, were found just to the west. The main enclosure abuts a multiple ditch system at its northwestern end. At its southeast end it appears to abut the northwestern side of the Dorset Cursus (Linear 41). To the south, further linear features run roughyl southwest in the direction of further banjo enclosures. See associated monuments for further details.

Record last edited

Mar 7 2024 4:04PM