More information : [ST 1181 3935] Trendle Ring CAMP [G.T.] (1)
Trendle Ring, Bicknoller, is a simple enclosed camp, an
irregular quadrulatural with rounded corners enclosed by a bank
of stones with external ditch. On the N.W. the bank has been
demolished and the ditch partly filled up. (2). Univallate
hillfort (under 3 acres). (2,3)
This is a well preserved earthwork situated on a southern
facing slope. It consists of a bank and ditch on the north
which develops into a scarp and berm on the lower, southern,
side.
Its situation is not defensive and its construction is only of
moderate strength. It is probably Iron Age but it is not a true
hillfort and it is very similar to the hill-slope enclosure ST
13 NE 17.
See G.P's AO/65/120/B-B.
Surveyed at 1:2500. (4)
Grinsell thinks that a linear work (ST 13 NW 29) is an outwork
associated with Trendle Ring. (5)
Additional Bibliography (6-8)
The feature described above is a possible Iron Age enclosure situated on a steep west and south west facing slope of Bicknoller Hill. It is is recorded on and has been mapped from aerial photographs.
It is defined by a bank which encloses a sub-circular area measuring 97m by 87m. An outer ditch is visible around most of its circuit. A bank which approaches the enclosure from the south east is almost certainly a Post Medieval field boundary
The enclosure is morphologically similar to the so called "hill-slope" enclosures common on Exmoor. The function of the enclosure is unclear as the steepness of the slope suggests it would be impractical as a settlement or even as a stock enclosure but this does not rule out either of these activities at the site. Although it has a substantial rampart it is not in a particularly defendable topographical situation but it is highly visible and impressive when viewed from the valley below.
(9-10)
The enclosure has been surveyed on the ground and details of the earthworks and a discussion of the function and archaeological context of the site can be found in the survey report.
(11)
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