| Summary : A probably Iron Age multivallate hillfort is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs, and is also known from field visits and finds. It is best seen on aerial photographs taken in 1947, though the site has been virtually levelled on aerial photographs taken in 2007. A plan made in 1822 showed that the hillfort had double ramparts, one rising above the other with an intervening ditch. On aerial photos the hillfort appears to be defined by a ditch with both and internal and an external bank, though the site has been much ploughed and the banks are absent in several places. There appears to be an entrance at the western corner, which is defined by out turned ditch termini. There are a series of parallel crescent shaped banks and an additional ditch, suggesting a probable annexe or addition to the hillfort at the eastern side, though this may have been destroyed by Camp Barn Farm. The crescent shaped banks may indicate a possible elaborate entranceway. This site has been mapped from aerial photographs as part of the South East Warwickshire and Cotswolds HLS Target Areas National Mapping Programme. |
More information : (centred SP 3904829) NADBURY CAMP (OE). (1)
Nadbury Camp, anciently known as Northbury, is situated on a
jutting promontory of the Edge Hills at an altitude of 700'. The
entrenchments enclose an area of about 17 acres. (2)
The defences are now much worn but a plan made in 1822 by
E. Pretty, shows them consisting of double ramparts rising one
above the other with an intervening ditch. The only entrance to
the camp was at the western extremity; it was approached by a
'hollow way' which curves round from a north westerly direction;
this was crossed in later days by the present highway from Ratley
and Radway, which enters the area of thh camp at the west, and
runs along in the hollow of its northern foss, until it quits it
again at its north east corner.
A hill fort, still in good condition although ploughed for many
years.
The counterscarp shown on Pretty's plan has been almost completely
ploughed out; and the outer slopes shown on that plan are mainly
natural.
A.P's CPE/UK 1926 3088-89 (stereo pair attached) reveal an
extension (annexe or earlier phase) to the south-east of the
fort, which is also suggested in Pretty's plan; this, although
clear on the photographs cannot be traced on the ground.
A "bee-hive" quern was found c.1960 by J. Gardner of Ratley at
SP 38974821, who still retains it.
Published survey (25") revised. (3)
Additional bibliography (4-5)
SP 390 482. Nadbury. Listed in gazetteer as a univallate hillfort covering 6.5ha. (6)
A probably Iron Age hillfort is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs, and is also known from field visits and finds. It is best seen ion aerial photographs taken in 1947, though the site has been virtually levelled on aerial photographs taken in 2007.
The site is centred on SP 39025 48203 and comprises a probably multivallate hillfort. The hillfort appears to be defined by a ditch with both and internal and an external bank, though the site has been much ploughed and the banks are absent in several places. There appears to be an entrance at the western corner, which is defined by out turned ditch termini. There are a series of parallel crescent shaped banks and an additional ditch, suggesting a probable annexe or addition to the hillfort at the eastern side, though this may have been destroyed by Camp Barn Farm. The crescent shaped banks may indicate a possible elaborate entranceway.
This site has been mapped from aerial photographs as part of the South East Warwickshire and Cotswolds HLS Target Areas National Mapping Programme (7-8).
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