| Title: |
A Geophysical Survey at Harehaugh Hillfort, Holystone, Northumberland |
| Number of Pages: |
45 |
| Biblio Note |
Please note that this is a bibliographic record only, as originally entered into the BIAB database.
The ADS have no files for download, and unfortunately cannot advise further on where to access hard copy or digital versions.
|
| Publication Type: |
Report
|
| Abstract: |
A magnetometry and resistivity geophysical survey was undertaken at Harehaugh Hill Fort. Previous survey work and excavation at Harehaugh had suggested a much earlier, perhaps Neolithic occupation of the site. The fort appeared to have had at least two, but very probably more phases of construction. What was evident from the geophysical survey results was that the western portion of the fort was more disturbed than the east. The exception appeared to be the highest part of the fort towards the western ramparts and this area was relatively undisturbed. Three ditches were detected within the central area of the fort, which followed the alignment of the single earthwork depicted on the RCHME survey. Only the central ditch seemed to continue south to form a contiguous feature with the southern defences. Evidence for hut circles, whether constructed from stone or timber, was not conclusive. The appearance of the eastern sector suggested an agricultural or pastoral function, supported by the presence of a possible enclosure. Evidence for a small rectilinear building structure was also confirmed. A Neolithic origin was feasible, possibly commencing as a small ritual enclosure positioned on the highest point within the fort and delimited by a single bank and ditch. A ditch and rampart may have followed the path of the western defences but incorporated a larger area delineated by the central earthwork. The defences could reasonably be described as a defended homestead, possibly with origins in the Bronze Age. Multivallation may have commenced in the western sector and building on the central rampart discontinued in favour of the provision of a bivallate defensive system further east. The form and location of the entrances was somewhat problematic. There was some evidence to suggest that a staggered northern entrance may have provided access late in the fort's history. The present track respected a central entrance in the middle of the fort, but the eastern and western breaks within the defences were probably relatively modern. It was also felt that some of the defences to the north and south had been eroded and considerable elements of the fort had been lost. Although the archaeo-geophysical surveys revealed a great deal about the interior of the hillfort, they also posed additional questions. The constructional sequence was not determined satisfactorily by geophysical survey. Additional targeted survey at the site, although difficult because of the terrain, may reveal if the ditches across the outer entrances were discontinuous. Targeted excavation should be considered, especially in those areas most at risk from erosion. [Au(abr)] |
| Author: |
J Alan Biggins
|
| Publisher: |
Timescape Archaeological Surveys
|
| Year of Publication: |
2001
|
| Locations: |
| Location - Auto Detected: |
Harehaugh Hillfort Holystone Northumberland |
|
| Subjects / Periods: |
|
| Note: |
Date Of Issue From:
2001
Date Of Coverage From:
01
Date Of Coverage To:
01
Editorial Expansion:
Site name: HAREHAUGH HILLFORT, HOLYSTONE
Study area:
Investigation type: Geophysical Survey
District: Alnwick
Monument: HILLFORT. Iron Age, POST HOLE. Undated, LINEAR FEATURE. Undated, FEATURE. Undated, DITCH. Undated, PIT. Undated
Ngr: NY96959980
Parish: Harbottle
Postcode: NE657AW
|
| Source: |
BIAB
(Archaeological Investigations Project (AIP))
|
| Created Date: |
19 Jan 2009 |
