More information : [SP 3772 6931] Ancient earthworks [T.I.]. (1)
'Wappenbury', an IA fort excavated in 1958 by M. and B. Stanley. (2)
The defences form an irregular rectangle almost ploughed out on the
east, whilst the south side has been destroyed by the river.
The ditch is visible only to the east and a short section to the
south-west. A break in the west rempart is probably caused by modern
drainage, and there is a deep narrow inturned entrance at the
south-west corner.
The original occupation was probably 1st c. B.C. as the main group of
pottery, seemingly of that date was found with daub showing the
presence of huts beneath the rampart. The rampart itself is clearly
associated with Belgic pottery and was, therefore, probably
constructed AD. 30.43.
The only evidence of the new Roman influence is a few scraps of 1st
c. Samian found four feet from the bottom of the ditch. This suggests
continuity of occupation was lacking as silting continued until the
site was re-occupied in the L. 3rd c. At this level pottery fragments
and furniture from kilns in the immediate vicinity were found in
large quantities. Further silting followed until the rampart was
thrown down, probably in the 13th c.
Fragments of Saxo-Norman pottery, including some St. Neots ware were
discovered. Other finds included a perforated stone hammer, possibly
of Scottish origin and very similar to one found with a cremation at
Stonehange, and a leaf arrowhead and an incised bronze sheet. (2)
Listed as I.A. c imposed on A or B. (3)
Yhe eastern rampart is quite small, and falls amid medieval and later
disturbance.
On the south-west the ditch is recognisable as a slight berm below
the rampart.
The break in the west rampart is the outflow of an adjacent pond,
possibly contemporary (c.f. Midsummer Hill SO 7637).
Published survey (25") revised. (4)
Scheduled as 'Wappenbury Camp'. (5)
Note on lead ring - surface find (6)
SP 377 693. Wappenbury. Listed in gazetteer as a univallate hillfort covering 9.0ha. (7)
Wappenbury. Additional reference with plan. (8) |