Scheduled Monument: Earthwork enclosure on Winsford Hill, 200m south east of Wambarrows (1021274)

Details The monument includes an earthwork enclosure located in open moorland on Winsford Hill; it is situated on a broad area of level ground on the summit of the hill which overlooks the steep Winn valley to the north and the Barle valley to the south. The earthwork enclosure is believed to date from the late medieval to early post-medieval period. The enclosed area is defined by low earthen banks which are an average of 3.2m wide and between 0.5m and 0.8m high with a shallow outer ditch. It is rectilinear in plan with overall dimensions of 17.6m by 13.2m with no apparent entrance. The enclosure lies within, and is probably contemporary with, an extensive field system composed of low field banks which define areas of cultivation. A large expanse of ridge and furrow located in the area around the enclosure is thought to be of a later date, although it may conceal earlier ridge and furrow ploughing. A series of enclosures of varying sizes which are thought to be associated with the field system have been identified across Winsford Hill. These are known to have been used for tillage of the Exmoor moorland since the 13th century, however, the true purpose of this enclosure is unknown but its small size, in relation to other identified enclosures, suggests that it was unlikely to have been ploughed for arable cultivation. The round barrow cemetery located in two groups, to the north west and east, are the subject of a separate scheduling. Selected Sources Book Reference - Title: National Monument Record - Type: DESC TEXT - Description: SS 83 SE 12 Article Reference - Date: 1978 - Journal Title: Proceedings Somerset Archaaeology & Natural History Society - Volume: 122 - Page References: 44-45 - Type: DESC TEXT