Scheduled Monument: Earthwork enclosure on Monkslade Common, 860m east of Fire Tower (1021121)

Details The monument includes an earthwork enclosure situated on the western side of Monkslade Common near the crest of a north east facing slope of Monkham Hill. The enclosure, which is believed to date from the Iron Age, is oval in plan and follows a general north-south alignment with its long axis following the natural contour of the hill. The overall dimensions of the enclosure are 68m from north to south and 54m east to west. It is defined on the north, south and east sides by a ditch 7m in width and 0.7m deep with a low internal bank; traces of a low counterscarp bank are also visible, most obviously on the south and west sides. The western side of the enclosure is defined by a bank 1.2m high and an external ditch, 0.5m deep, visible on the south west side. Material for the banks is probably derived from terracing to create a level interior and from the external ditches. The probable original entrance into the enclosure is on the south side and defined by a simple gap in the ditch and bank. Within the enclosure are traces of a sub-circular building platform 10.5m across and 0.4m high on its north and north east side, it is defined on its east and south east side by the line of the enclosure bank. All fencing and fence posts are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath these features is included. Selected Sources Book Reference - Title: National Monument Record - Type: DESC TEXT - Description: SS 93 NE 6 Book Reference - Author: Grinsell, L V - Title: The Archaeology of Exmoor - Date: 1970 - Page References: 88 - Type: DESC TEXT