More information : (SX 135696) Bury Castle (NR) (1)
Multi-vallate hillfort on gently sloping hill one mile NE of Cardinham village. Oval in plan, approximately 600' N-S and 400' E-W. The inner rampart is nearly perfect with an entrance on the north east side. (2)
A sub-oval multi-vallate IA defended settlement situated just off the
crest of a south-east hillslope.
The main feature is a univallate enclosure of 1.5 hectares its rampart topped by an 0.6 metre high stone wall. This work is strengthened on the north side, which is on the level hilltop, by two extra banks and ditches; these terminate abruptly on the west and east sides.
The east entrance which is now extensively mutilated was probably
inturned and it is protected by two outer banks which are also
mutilated. The interior which slopes to the east has numerous large
granite boulders spread over its southern half but none form any
identifiable pattern.
A 1.6 metre high revetted bank and slight outer ditch which stretches
from SX 13356977 to SX 13626983 effectively cuts off the approach to
the settlement to the level north side. Two 0.5 metre deep ditches
wind down the hill on the west side form SX 13356977 but these are
probably hollow-ways from Little Bury farmstead. "Bury Castle" is the accepted local name.
Published survey 1:2500 revised. (3)
Bury Castle situated on a south-east facing hillsope at 253m OD. In
good condition.
Bury Castle is generally as described by Authority 3.
The principal rampart is up to 3.0m high and its ditch averages 1.0m
deep. The inner of the two banks on the north side has been
refashioned at some stage and is now 2.0m high. The outer work lies
in a pasture field which is occasionally ploughed; the rampart and its ditch are still traceable being 0.5m high and 0.3m deep respectively.
The west side of the hill fort is covered by dense vegetation; the
terminals of the two outer works here have clearly been disturbed at
some period and the exact nature and purpose of the two 0.9m high
oval mounds are difficult to ascertain.
Surveyed at 1:2500. (4)
A plan and discussion can be found in the published report of the Bodmin Moor project. (5) |