More information : (TQ 54979833) Earthworks (NR) (1)
In Fortification Wood in Navestock is a low bank and shallow moat,
measuring 350 ft. by 240 ft. and surrounding about 4 acres.
Within these confines, at the southern end, is a later excavation
which is now a pond. The earthwork existed in 1222, and may
have been for military use or merely to protect growing timber. (2-3)
The Fortification Wood enclosure falls in the category of earthworks
loosely described as "manorial enclosures." The main enclosure
is only part of a complex suggested by further banks and ditches
leading away to the NW and SE, but all traces elsewhere have been
destroyed.
The main enclosure is not homogenous and the depth of the enclosing
ditch varies from 2.0m. to 0.5m., with seemingly original
causeways separating different stretches at different levels.
The site, however, is almost certainly an occupation site as
there can be little doubt the partly water-filled depression
in the SW.corner is a fishpond. (4)
Resurveyed at 1:2500.
No change. (5)
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