More information : SK 634532 Camp (NR). (1) Iron Age multivallate hillfort. (2) A sub-oval earthwork, mainly of double bank and ditch, with a south/north staggered entrance, and lying 200-300 yds below the top of a ridge known as Old Ox. (3) A multi-vallate IA `settlement' situated circa 105m above sea level on a site that has obviously been selected for the double benefits of seculsion, and shelter from the prevailing northeast wind. The refuge is concealed (and overlooked) on all sides except the south-east where there is an open aspect and, as might be expected, the strongest defences have been erected; but even to the southeast the soft contouring of the general terrain provides a certain amount of privacy and security. The general defences consist of a rampart with accompanying ditch; however to the southeast this has been strengthened to a double rampart and ditches above a strong natural slope. There is a simple causewayed entrance in the north rampart and an elaborate `funnel' entrance in the southeast; south of this entrance is a spring-fed pond which is probably contemporary with the original work and as such would provide an adequate water supply. Internally there are traces of rig and furrow - now under permanent pasture; there is no surface evidence of early occupation. The engineering, plan, and topographical situation are all typically IA. Originally the site almost certainly consisted of a simple defended homestead enclosure or farm settlement in `A' tradition; the stronger defences and funnel entrance being a later (perhaps `B') modification and elaboration. At this period also it appears probable that the ditch to the north and west was strengthened which would account for the counterscarp bank which is here very pronounced but is mainly absent elsewhere. It has not been possible to authenticate the name `Old Ox'; but it is doubtless a Middle Age abbreviation for Old Oxton (stemming from the village to the south). Resurveyed at 1:2500. (4)
SK 633 532. Oldox [sic]. Listed in gazetteer as a multivallate hillfort covering 0.2ha. (5)
Additional reference [not consulted]. (6)
SK 634 532. Oldox camp. Scheduled no. NT/97. (7) |