More information : [SU45855727] The first reference to beacons in
Hampshire is an order, in 1325, to persons in the County 'to
see that beacons be erected'. Beacons are shown at Beacon Hill
by Norden in 1595 and later by 18th century map makers.
The beacon here passed the Hampshire warning on from the county
to Cuckhamsley Beacon in Berkshire.
Excavations carried on by C.L.Woolley in 1912 in a depression
close to the highest point of the hill, is on apparent hut site
[SU 45 NE 39] revealed that it had been re-used. Along one side
of the pit was built a fireplace of red brick and flints laid
in clay, while from the filling came fragments of bellamine
jugs, sack bottles, green glazed pottery, tobacco pipes, glazed
bricks and iron objects. There can be no doubt that this was
shelter of the men who watched the beacon fire that has given
the hill its name. (1-2)
[SU 56 83 5729] the highest point on the hill is marked by an
OS trig pillar. About 10m SE are the pits and spoil-heaps of
the 1912 excavation. Small pieces of brick can be seen. (3)
No further information. (4)
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