More information : SS 74 NW 27 Trial Pits (Iron)
SS 742487. Costean trenches and pits (probably trials for iron made in the 1870's) in the area of Myrtleberry North Camp. (1)
The area centred at SS 743488 on the N and W side of Myrtleberry North Settlement contains quite extensive evidence of circular, oval and linear pits with associated spoil heaps. As sggested by Claughton (1) these are most likely to be unsuccessful exploratory trial pits for iron undertaken in the late 19th century.
A. SS 7428 4887. An oval trial pit 9.5m N-S by 5.5m and 2.5m deep. The spoil has been dumped primarily along the northern downhill side forming an elongated heap about 14.5m E/W by 7m and up to 2.5m high. There is a minor spoil heap on the western uphill side 7.5m E/W by 4m wide and up to 1m high. The site is approached from the SE by a footpath.
B. SS 7432 4886. Excavated into the northern ditch of the earthwork rampart E of the entrance is a similar trial pit with spoil dumped around its lower northern side and a smaller heap on top of the rampart to the S which has encroached on the exterior of the settlement entrance.
C. SS 7431 4879. An overgrown oval pit sunk into the ditch of the rampart on the SW side of the settlement. It is 8m N/S by 5m and is 2m deep. Its large spoil heap, 10m by 9m and 2m high, overlies the ditch on its N side. It has been misidentified as an entrance causeway.
D. SS 7419 4870. Quarried into the ditch of the outworks of the earthwork just S of the entrance is a small trial pit with a linear trench, about 30m long, to the immediate S.
There may be other unidentified pits and workings in the dense bracken and scrub which covers the surrounding area.
Surveyed at 1:2500. (2)
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