More information : (SU 16636324) Camp (NR) Giant's Grave (NAT) (1)
A promontroy fort with simple defences, known as 'Giant's Grave'
(2). It covers two and a half acres (3) and is protected on the
east by two ramparts (A: SU 16706327 and B: SU 16996336): the
one nearer the point of the spur being the stronger (4). A
straight ditch, further to the east (C: SU 17196350) runs for
100yds in a NW to SE direction across the ridge, broken only by an old chalk pit (see plan), but it is not certain that this is part of the fort (2). Iron Age 'A' sherds (late Hallstatt-La Tene I, comparable with All Cannings Cross) have been found by Hawkes and Meyrick within the fort and on the surface between it and Martinsell (approx SU 169633 (2). Some found by Meyrick can be assigned to Phase 2. Now in Meyrick's private collection (3). (2-4)
Giant's Grave (name verified) a promontory settlement protected
by a single rampart and ditch at SU 16706327 (A). The bank
averages 3.0m high by 18.0m wide with a ditch on the E side
10.0m wide. The ditch has an unfinished appearance although the
rampart is complete. A later track has distorted the original
central entrance and causeway across the ditch. Internally the S
half has a large number of irregular scoops, not necessarily
hut sites, since there has also been flint digging in the area.
Another bank and ditch at SU 1700 6336 (B) has the appearance of
an earlier attempt to cut off the promontory. This now shows as
a broad scarp 2.2m high with a ditch 0.6m deep on the E side.
The central portion has been disturbed by a trackway and
quarrying. Ditch 'C' has now been ploughed out. 'A' and 'B'
surveyed at 1:2500. (5)
SU 166 632. Giant's Grave, Wilcot. Listed in gazetteer as a univallate hillfort covering 1.0ha. (6)
A sherd from a furrowed bowl and 4 coarse-ware sherds were found west of Giant's Grave and are now in Devizes Museum. (7)
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