More information : (SU 24377385) Lewisham Castle (NR) (1)
A circular univallate enclosure of one acre, with outer ditch (2) (See plan (3)). Visited by Grinsell in 1949, who recorded "great quantities of flint nodules in the interior." Iron arrowheads were found prior to 1855 (4) near the enclosure, and numerous fragments of Medieval pottery have been found there by O Meyrick (5).
Tradition prevalent as late as the 1870's associated the name 'Lewisham' with Louis the Dauphin, who held Marlborough Castle in 1216. Brentnall suggests that this may have been one of his outposts. (2-5)
"The site is well-preserved. It is of the ring type: a circular
bank with an external ditch, with part of the bank supporting a
platform for the motte. From this platform a layer of flints
protrudes." (6)
As generally described by Auth (2) and (6). Overall diameter 68m. The earthwork is strongest at the SW (uphill) weakening towards the NE quadrant where the outer ditch is ploughed out.
The bank platform at SU24347386, suggests a mound that has been overthrown inwardly, exposing much of the flint content. Flints are prolific over the site and its surrounds.
The site occupies a position at the head of a small coombe, and below the adjacent ridge.
This does not altogether support the view of a purely military site, but suggests the re-use of a pre-existing pastoral feature such as that in Blakes Copse (SU 27 SE 10). Published 1:2500 survey revised.
Locally known as Lewisham Castle, but apparently on OS authority. (7)
Meyrick's finds,sited to SU244738,consist of 38 Medieval sherds
and 1 intrusive Romano-British sherd. Devizes Museum
1984.100.66A.(8)
The earthwork is classed as a ringwork type castle in authority
(9).
(See also SU27SW33.)
Scheduled Monument National Number 30286. (10)
Listed by Cathcart King. (11)
It is suggested that the work originated as a hunting lodge, being suitably located for the administration the surrounding chase and the accomodation of hunting parties. (12) |