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Summary

Geophysical survey recorded an anomaly group of possible pits thought to be used to support posts of a structure around a central point.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1018850: Hembury Fort

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• PIT (LANEBA to Roman - 2500 BC to 409 AD (Between))

Full description

Griffith, F. M. + Wilkes, E. M., 2015, Hembury, Payhembury Fort, Devon: Geophysical Survey (Report - Geophysical Survey). SDV360845.

Hembury (Payhembury) Fort is considered to be the most westerly of the ‘Wessex style’ multivallate hillforts of the first millennium BC, with earlier occupation, demonstrated through excavations in the 1930s and 1980s, as a Neolithic causewayed enclosure, and with subsequent Roman military use. It occupies a spur of Upper Greensand overlooking the Otter valley and river Tale tributary at ST 11255 03080. The non-intrusive evaluation was designed to determine the viability of two geophysical survey techniques prior to a full-scale survey. The hilltop had recently been partially cleared of dense undergrowth and trees had been thinned, so affording the first opportunity for area surveys to be conducted. Anomalies detected within the interior of the monument conform to what is known from upstanding remains and earlier reports from excavations within the hillfort as well as anomalies that may represent previously unknown archaeological features.

To the southern tip of the Fort an area has been excavated by Liddell (1931: 1932: 1934) which may account for the rather 'noisy' responses in that area. However, two anomalies were detected: (see MDV1853 for description of one of the anomaly groups). The other anomaly group is a sub-rectangular arrangement of positive anomalies outside the excavated area that may represent the ditch or palisade slot of a small enclosure or pen measuring c.6 x3.0 metres.

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 K is a sub‐circular arrangement of positive anomalies outside Liddell’s excavation area, considered in the 2015 survey to represent the ditch or palisade slot of a small enclosure or pen measuring circa 6.0 x 3.0 metres. However, the higher resolution of the 2016 survey suggests instead that this is an arc of point anomalies, possibly representing the posts of a structure, around a central point.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV7503 - Geophysical Survey: Hembury, Payhembury Fort, Devon
• EDV7504 - Geophysical Survey; Hembury, Payhembury Fort, Devon

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