More information : (TF 874447) Camp (NR) (1)
A sub-oval earthwork standing on an island in a formerly tidal
marsh. The site was referred to as Holkham Burghall in Court
Rolls of 1470. In 1906 Mr Lowerison observed circular
depressions here, now unidentifiable, which he regarded as
'pit-dwellings'. He also found a few flint implements.
'In default of excavation it is not perhaps unreasonable to
surmise that the earthwork was constructed in the Early Iron
Age.' (2-3)
Two sherds of coarse pottery found by R R Clarke on 7.9.52 at TF
87344478; probably Iron Age. (4)
Earthwork and surrounding drainage patterns visible on APs. (5)
A low lying earthwork occupying between 5-6 acres situated
almost at sea level on the south-west promontory of a natural
island in the coastal salt marshes; the work is now some 750.0m
from the present high tide limits.
The defences to the south and east are bivallate and of
considerable strength; to the north they are univallate; the
western outlook is over a very low lying marshy area that was
apparently considered defensive enough in itself, for here the
perimeter of the fort is governed by the limit of the natural
escarpment and no artificial work is evident until the
south-west corner is reached. The profile of the banks has been
softened by the time but there is no evidence of early ploughing
and the whole is under pasture and in good condition; to the
south the main inner rempart achieves a max height of 3.2m
whilst the ditch is 1.6m deep (see section).
There is an original entrance in the south side, an overlapping
entrance with slight evidence of inturning in the south-east;
and a simple entrance to the north-east; other breaks in the
defences appear modern.
Internally the area is greatly disturbed and there are two large
modern ponds (both now dry); the 'pit dwellings' could not be
recognised nor were any finds made during preambulation,
although previous authorities refer to flints and pottery (none
of which has been seen by Norwich Museum).
The form of construction, plan, strength and topographical
situation all suggest a plateau fort of Iron Age origin; the
work has similarities to Warham Camp (TF 9440) some seven miles
to the south-east, particularly in their very minor, or non
existent, western defences.
Resurveyed on MSD. (6)
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