| Summary : Earthwork remains of a hillfort or promontory fort defined by single line of bank and ditch enclosing a spur of the downs, but excluding the southwestern tip of the spur, on which are located two round barrows (SU 06 SW 44). Examination of the barrows in 1977 suggests that they may well have been included within the enclosure at some stage in its history. Excavations were undertaken in 1907, and comprised sections through the rampart, an examination of the entrance and trenching of the interior. Finds show evidence for pre-hillfort activity of Bronze Age date, including features described as "hearths". Pottery finds suggest an early Iron Age date for the earthworks, while evidence, primarily in the form of potsherds, suggests some kind of Roman activity. Little evidence was found for any intensive occupation of the interior. |
| More information : (SU 00106468) Oliver's Castle (TI) Camp (LB) (1)
Oliver's Camp, an IA hill-fort, is situated on an E/W spur. The defences consist of a bank and ditch which cut across the spur and which follow the natural contours on the N. and S. Outside the earthwork at the W. end are two barrows (SU 06 SW 44). Excavations in 1907 by Mrs. Cunnington showed the single entrance in the E. side to have been probably gated. BA hearths beneath the ramparts indicate former occupation of the site. A quantity of BA, 1A and RO pottery was found. (2)
Oliver's Camp is a roughly triangular I.A. hill fort utilising a promontory to afford additional protection from the steep natural slopes on the N.W. and S. sides. The defences consist of a bank and outer ditch. There is an original entrance near the centre of the E. side.
Surveyed at 1:2500. (3)
SU 001 647. Oliver's Castle. Listed in gazetteer as a univallate hillfort covering 1.3ha. (4)
SU 001 647. Oliver's Castle. Listed as promontory fort in gazetteer of Wiltshire hillforts. (5)
Oliver's Castle is clearly visible on aerial photographs of the area. (9)
The Iron Age hillfort was mapped from 2019 Environment Agency lidar as part of the Historic England Verlucio aerial investigation & mapping project. The fort is trapezoidal in plan, narrowing towards the west following the topography. It has maximum visible dimensions measuring 180m by 170m and comprises a broad internal rampart bank, with an outer ditch and smaller remapart, the latter which may have been largely enhanced or denuded by later agricultural activity. There is a narrow gap in the centre of the rampart on the east face which presumably served as an entrance. The open area of the centre of the fort measures approximately 1.3ha. It is worth noting that medieval/post medieval ridge and furrow is visible within the fort, which has probably resulted in some loss of earlier earthworks. (10)
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