Monument record MDO88 - Prehistoric field system on Watcombe Plain and West Hill, Alton Pancras and Piddletrenthide

Extensive prehistoric field system, particularly well preserved on West Hill, where lynchets up to 8 feet high can be seen.

A Celtic field system; there is no sign of habitation, except the small enclosure near Watcombe Wood. <2> A: Centred at ST 71170311.B: Centred at ST 71080304. An area of pronounced IA/RB field banks and lynchets visible on RAF Aps. As stated there is no indication of habitation in the area, which is now under rough pasture. There are two areas of superimposed field systems. A: Here there are a number of Md strip lynchets, parallel, long and straight and all set in a NE-SW direction except one which runs towards Watcombe Bottom in a NW-SE direction. At B there is some narrow rig and furrow ploughing, which may be Md or later. Its relation to the strip lynchets could not be decided during investigation. The detail portrayed on the OS 6" 1903 as a 'British Village' is in fact part of the field system. <4> (ST 71240345) Field System (NR) (Subsequent publication). Part of RCHM Group (42) "Celtic" fields. On Watcombe Plain there is clear evidence of narrow rig, overlying strip lynchets, overlying the "Celtic" fields. A double lynchet track, contemporary with the earliest fields,leads up to a curving bank and disturbed area, at ST 712035, suggestive of a settlement, being a suitable situation in itself and relative to neighbouring settlements. <5-6> The Celtic field system poorly defined on OS air photographs (b), remains as described by Authorities 5 and 6. Two circular features which fall within the possible settlement area noted by RCHM at ST 712035, may represent the remains of huts. One at ST 71280349 is terraced into the northwest/southeast slope and hooded on its uphill side. It has an internal diam of 6.0m and shows a high stone content in its rim. A large oak tree grows roughly central. The second feature at ST 71250352 is much less pronounced, being no more than a circular hollow 11.0m in diam and 0.3m deep. The interior is disturbed by rabbits, and the whole is nettle covered. The "small enclosure near Watcombe Wood" is now classified by RCHM as a 'U'-earthwork (see ST 70 SW 3). Hut features surveyed at 1:2500 on MSD. <7> ST 712033. Field system and settlement on Watcombe Plain. Scheduled. <8-9>

Record last edited

Feb 7 2022 3:46PM