More information : Traces of 'Celtic' fields, totalling 12 acres, remain
adjacent to the hillfort on Hambledon Hill. On the south west spur
the fields have almost been destroyed by strip and later ploughing
(ST 843121 to ST 844121) but one lynchet survives, 8ft high, north
of this (ST 841122) There are banks down the slope forming at least
three fields, the smallest coverering 1/2 acre and the largest 1 3/4
acres. The fields below the north west limb of the hillfort
(ST 842 130) were probably laid out before the final enlargement of
the defences, but they appear to have been adapted to continued
cultivation. There are further traces east of the north east
entrance to the hillfort. (1)
ST 843121 to ST 844121 Two low strip lynchets circa 1.0m high and
25.0m apart run for 150.0m along the contour. The upper lynchet
abuts a field corner, defined by a 0.5m high scarp, to the west.
ST 842123 A strong lynchet, 2.5m high, with a 5.0m wide tread, lies
across the shoulder. A low bank, about 3.0m wide and 0.5m high, and
two scarps run down the slope. Parallel striations, on the RAF air
photographs (a), between them suggest strip ploughing, but there
are no visible traces on the ground.
ST 842130 Two scarps truncated by chalk pits lie along the contour, on a very steep slope immediately below the hill-fort. The upper scarp, about 3.0m high, abuts a field angle to the West, which is overlain by the outer-most rampart of the hillfort. The lower scarp is weaker about 2m high.
ST 844130 Two low spread banks, about 4.0m wide and 0.5m high, run
down the slope. (2)
(ST 842 123 - 846 122) The field system around the N end of the hill may be contemporary but appears to be separate, and was assigned a new number (ST 81 SW 65) to enhance the record |