Codford Circle

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Codford Circle
Codford Circle Digital Terrain Model.jpg
Wiltshire UK location map.svg
Archaeological site icon (red).svg
Shown within Wiltshire
Alternative nameOldbury Camp,
Wilsbury Ring,
Woldsbury
Location Wiltshire
RegionSouthern England
Coordinates 51°09′51″N2°01′35″W / 51.1643°N 2.0263°W / 51.1643; -2.0263
TypeHilltop enclosure or possible hillfort
Area3.6 ha (8.9 acres)
Height188 m (617 ft)
History
MaterialChalk
PeriodsPossible Neolithic
Site notes
Archaeologists Sir Richard Colt Hoare,
W.F. Cunnington

Codford Circle, also known as Wilsbury Ring, Woldsbury, and possibly Oldbury Camp, is a Neolithic hill top enclosure or possible hillfort located on the summit of Codford Hill, a chalk promontory of Salisbury Plain, near to the village and civil parish of Codford, in Wiltshire, England. [1]

The site is oval in plan and approximately of 3.6 ha (8.9 acres). It is surrounded by a bank 6.5 m (21 ft) wide and up to 1.6 m (5.2 ft) high, then a ditch 5 m (16 ft) wide and up to 0.5 m (1.6 ft) deep, although an area on the south eastern edge has been reduced by ploughing. Aerial photography shows signs of an inner ditch, possibly signs of a former palisade fence, and entrances on the east and west sides. The entrances on the southeast and northwest sides are later in date. [1]

3D view of the digital terrain model Codford Circle Digital Terrain Model.jpg
3D view of the digital terrain model

There is no archaeological evidence for occupation, and the earthworks have been interpreted as being defensively weak owing to their slight nature, therefore the site is interpreted as an enclosure of an unknown but ancient date. [1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Historic England. "Codford Circle (211362)". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 22 April 2012.