Monument record MDO929 - Prehistoric settlement on the Ridgeway east of Eggardon, Compton Valence

A linear settlement comprising rectilinear enclosures, hollows and field boundaries, visible as earthworks on aerial photographs. Considered likely to be later prehistoric in date.

(Mentioned only) British Village. <1> The settlement apparently consists of some small enclosures of which only one is complete. It is rectangular, 79ft x 64ft, surrounded with a bank and ditch, with the entrance at the E. angle. "Within the area are two sinkings separated by a rough platform, and the western of these has indications of a sub-division. "A smaller enclosure to the S.E was perhaps also a habitation site, but the other remains further to the S.E. are of indeterminate character." <3> The description in T.2. is, with the photo-plan of the enclosure A, generally correct. The earthworks consist of a number of enclosures formed by banks which average 0.2m. high, except in the case of A, where the bank is from 0.5m. to 1.0m. high, and the ditch 3.0m. wide and 0.3m. deep. The earthworks are poorly defined on the ground but clearly visible on AP. CPE/UK/2431/4148. There are two depressions in enclosure `A` each approximately 0.7m. deep. There are two further depressions at B. The N. one is 1.0m. deep with a bank 2.0m. wide and 0.5m. high on the N. side. This may be a pond of uncertain origin, though it is now dry. To its S. is a vague depression 0.5m. deep and of irregular plan, of no obvious purpose. Further to the S.E. at C is a possible hut site 8.0m in diameter and 0.5m. deep within the remains of an enclosure bank. The other remains of the settlement are fragmentary but far more extensive than shown on the OS. 1/2500, and a complete re-survey of the site seems necessary. The area has been fenced off from the surrounding ploughed land and is under pasture. The situation on a hilltop with no close water supply and the irregularity of the enclosures suggest IA/RB or possibly earlier date, for there is a superficial resemblance to the earthworks associated with LBA farmsteads. <5> No surface finds were made at this site but there is indeed a decided similarity to this and other excavated & proved L.B.A. occupations in W Sussex. <6> Enclosure `A` from the S. [steroscopic photograph attached to illustration card]. The S.W. half of this feature has either been ploughed out or partly destroyed by a new farm track at present under construction. The bank on the extreme E. has also been ploughed out. That remaining is grass covered. The N.W. section has been fenced off. Published survey (25") revised. <7> Following ploughing of the area in 1984, the soil mark and earthmark were planned by students from DIHE. Neolithic chert debitage, late IA pottery were present, but Black-Burnished ware was very frequent. Samian and New Forest wares were also collected. <8> An unpublished plan shows extensive cropmarks to the South and East of the settlement, including a large oval feature and linear feature pointing towards the IA hillfort, SY 59 SE 80. <9> A linear settlement comprising rectilinear enclosures, hollows and field boundaries, visible as earthworks on aerial photographs. Considered likely to be later prehistoric in date. <10-11>

Record last edited

Oct 30 2023 1:17PM