The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Buckholt Wood Hilltop Enclosure

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 01461g
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Monmouth
Unitary authority : Monmouthshire
NGR : SO5018615917
Site Type (preferred type first) : Unknown Hillfort
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
The enclosure comprises an impressive bank and ditch system on the north and east, and to the north this bank turns sharply to run south-west. On the south the bank then turns sharply to run south-west.

Description :
A prehistoric enclosure lies just below the highest part of Buckholt Wood, on the hill behind a steep scarp which drops to the south and west commanding extensive views in those two directions. The main of this site is afforested, dense conifer plantation within the interior, and more sparse deciduous cover towards the south and west edges, where the enclosure is defended by steep scarps on both sides. Bracken and bramble growth cover this area between the trees. It was for this reason that the defences to south and west were unable to be examined during the most recent visit, however a previous visit has stated that 'the western bank of the main enclosure is fainter, but still traceable along the steep scarp'.

The enclosure comprises an impressive bank and ditch system on the north and east, and to the north this bank turns sharply to run south-west. On the south the bank then turns sharply to run south-west. On this side, the bank continues beyond the corner to run for another 40m perhaps intended as an extension or outer enclosure of the main enclosure. The earthworks of the defences are most visible on the forestry path that runs north-south running through the northern lines of defence, before turning through 90 degrees to the east to run east-west, leaving the enclosure by once more dissecting the defences, this time on the eastern side. Instead of being a univallate enclosure as suggested above, evidence from this most recent visit (2006) suggests that the enclosure had at total of four sets of banks and ditches, some of which are more impressive than others. The total width of the banks and ditches is approximately 20m with the outer ditches and counterscarp bank the most impressive in size. It may be that the inner, lesser banks and ditches actually result from forestry ploughing although the author noted that this seemed to be running in a different direction, although this may have been earlier ploughing - now no longer allowed as the monument is scheduled. (Wiggins 2006)


Sources :
Wiggins, H , 2006 , Prehistoric defended enclosures in Gwent ( © GGAT)

Events :
E001514 : Buckholt Wood hilltop enclosure (year : 2006)
E001550 : Prehistoric defended enclosures Gwent (year : 2006)

Related records
National Monuments Record NPRN 275998 http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/275998/details

Compiled date : 08-11-1997


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