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Summary

Geophsical survey recorded an anomaly group which is thought to be a former route for the path leading into the hillfort from the entrance.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1018850: Hembury Fort

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• TRACKWAY? (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)

Full description

Griffith, F. M. + Wilkes, E. M., 2016, Hembury, Payhembury Fort, Devon: Geophysical Survey (Report - Geophysical Survey). SDV360861.

A sample survey to explore the potential of two geophysical survey techniques at Hembury Fort was conducted by this team in May 2015. This confirmed the usefulness of both magnetic gradiometry and earth resistance techniques within the hillfort. Vegetation clearance at the time of that survey had opened up some areas of the interior for survey, but much of it, particularly in the southern half of the site, remained inaccessible. A further survey was undertaken in 2016 when conditions were more favourable.

Anomaly P runs in an arc from the NE entrance into the hillfort for circa 135 metres towards the northern central bank and ditch (anomaly U). This is a likely route for the path / track leading into the hillfort from the entrance as it encountered the least variation in elevation along its line. The interpretation of a track or path is supported by the alignment of this feature with the trend in the foundations of “substantial and well‐planned” timber Roman military buildings as excavated by Professor Todd (1984a, 261; 1984b; see Figure 10 and rL below). What appears as a 'spur' running westwards from the line (P1, see MDV121094) corresponds very well with the alignment of Roman remains excavated in Todd's Trench 3 (1984a; 1984b). It is likely therefore that this feature dates from the Roman military use of the hillfort.

Much of the line of anomaly P was in the area that was not able to be surveyed in 2015 due to the density of scrub and tree growth. The line also marks the boundary of different responses in the magnetic survey, the area to the west being rather more 'noisy' compared with the area to the east of the line. There is no difference in the vegetation either side of the line but the ground slopes down more to the east and is generally more level to the west of this line.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV7504 - Geophysical Survey; Hembury, Payhembury Fort, Devon

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