More information : (TL 819151) Earthwork (NR)
Earthworks on Chipping Hill, Witham, presumed to be the Burg built
in AD 912 by Edward the Elder, consisting of two concentric
entrenchments of irregular oval plan, now represented only by
scarps and depressions, except on the W where there is a
well-marked rempart and scarp; the inner work of some 9 1/2 acres
and the outer, 26 1/4. (2) Trial excavations in 1933-35 by
F. Cottrill revealed a number of areas of Saxon occupation
including Saxon pottery in the inner ditch. Also a probable hut
site behind the outer rampart showing Iron Age occupation
indicated by coins, iron and bronze objects and pre Belgic
pottery. A few sherds of Romano-British pottery were also found.
Further examination of the defences in 1969 and 1971 by
B.K. Davison for the Department of the Environment showed that
the outer work was surrounded by a V-shaped ditch 10 metres
wide and 3.6 deep, which had become silted to a depth of one
third by the early 13th century. The inner ditch of similar
proportions was silted by the late Saxon period. This suggests
the inner work was related to the Iron Age occupation found
by Cottrill and the outer to the Saxon Burg. (1-7)
The ramparts encompassed a small hill about 500.0m across, rising
10.0m. above the valley of the River Brain which bounds its
W side. It is divided NE - SW by a deep railway cutting.
Of the earthworks, planned by the RCHM in 1921, modern development
has obliterated all on the S and E, and most of the NW.
Surviving fragments comprise, on the SW a 200.0m. length of
inner rampart which attains a maximum height of 8.0m. It is
cut by the railway and has been levelled on top. Between here and
the river is a 70.0m. stretch of the outer rampart of maximum
height 2.0m. and apparently contrived out of the river terrace.
The other surviving part is to the NE and is a 90.0m. length of
outer rampart 1.5m. high running through gardens. No traces of
ditches could be seen with any of the ramparts. To the NW, the
bottoms of gardens on the SE side of White Horse Lane probably
mark the course of the outer rampart, but elsewhere the line is
not adhered to by any modern features.
Published 1:2500 survey revised. (8)
The earthworks at Witham were considered to represent a
multivallate hill-fort. (9)
Chipping Hill Camp, Witham "hardly warrants the term hillfort"
according to Rodwell who lists the earthwork as a minor oppidum.
The inner and outer defences were of clearly different periods;
the inner defence seemingly consistent with a Fecamp-type
earthwork of probable Belgic date. (10)
Iron Age hut excavated by Cottrill (Authy 4) in 1934-5 is listed
as a sunken-floored building by Rodwell. (11)
TL 81981512. Two triangular loomweights are reported to have been found at Wickham camp. (12)
Burial history of the burh. (13)
Additional reference (14)
The 'pagan Saxon' pottery excavated in 1933-4 is in fact of Iron Age date. Rodwell suggests that both inner and outer ditches may be Iron Age although he notes the possibility that the outer defences may be those of Edward the Elder's burh of 913AD. (15)
[See also TL 81 NW 15 for 3 Iron Age inhumations from within the camp previously considered to be Saxon burials.]
Additional references (16) (17) (18)
Further reference (19) |