More information : Area ST 478170. The following Bronze Age metal-work
is known to come from Ham Hill, apparently as single finds
within or just outside the hill-fort:
(i) Palstave, looped, wide-bladed.
(ii) Sickle blade, two cast ribs, no knob.
(iii) Spearhead, leaf-shaped, no loops.
(iv) Chisel, tanged, wide-bladed.
(v) Socketed axe, looped, three cast ribs on each face.
(vi-vi) Two socketed gouges.
(viii) Razor, Hallstatt C.
(ix) Bugle-shaped ornament.
(x-xii) Three swan's neck pins.
(xiii-xiv) Two socketed axe mould fragments (1)
Not all of these finds have been recovered from excavated contexts. All are present in Taunton Museum. (2)
A study of the two axe moulds fragments have shown them to be of Greisen originating from the granite outcrops in Devon and Cornwall. Differences in the petrology and morphology of the two fragments indicate they are not from the same or complementary valves. It is apparent, however, they belong to the Llyn Fawr phase of Late Bronze Age metalwork, which is well represented by the other finds from Ham Hill. The diagnostic material suggests activity or a possible settlement during the seventh century BC. and that metalworking was carried out on site or within the vicinity. (3)
A review of the archaeology of Ham Hill is included in the RCHME Ham Hill Survey Project Report. (4) |