More information : There is little recorded information upon the earthworks at Brent Hill. Rowe mentions "the appearances of
earthworks on the upper part of the hill"; (a) and South Brent
parish is named in a list of unspecified earthworks in Devon,
quoted by Handsford Worth.(b)
J. W. Brailsford in his private Index of 1938 gives the
classification L.B.A. referring to "Homeland Handbook for
Devon", p.86.
A later edition of the latter refers to Brent Hill by way of a
compilation based upon doubtful authorities. "Upon it are the
ruins of an old watch-house, an ancient camp, and vestiges of
prehistoric antiquities". (d). (1)
The long narrow summit of Brent Hill shows traces of
fortification. The defensive situation is strong, with very
steep rocky slopes on the N.W. side and a fairly steep gradient
to the S.E.
The artificial defences of the hill top consist of a scarped
bank on the more vulnerable S.E. side. In places there appears
to be an inner slope to this bank but a modern field wall and
bank overlie it and make the extent uncertain. The combination
of bank and natural slopes form an almost complete circuit of
the hill top although on the S.W. side the defence is weak. No
certain entrance could be identified.
On the N.E. side, where the approach is easiest, there is an
outer bank at a much lower level. The wide space between the two
banks is more suggestive of an annexe than a true outer defence.
The bank fades when it reaches the steeper ground to the N.W.
and S.E. The purpose of the earthwork is defensive and would
appear to be an E.I.A. hillfort rather than an L.B.A. work as
suggested by Brailsford.
A 25" survey has been made.
The earthwork is centred at SX 7042 6173. (2)
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