Details

The monument includes a defensive enclosure, situated at the summit of Castle Hill, overlooking the valleys of the confluence of three rivers leading to Portmellon. The enclosure survives as a roughly-rectangular enclosed area, defined by a slight scarp and a small stretch of bank with a buried outer ditch. Other features, structures and deposits are preserved as buried features.

The enclosure occupies a commanding position and was first recorded in the 16th century by Leland when it was known as 'Castle Hill'. McLauchlan surveyed it and found it to be right-angled in shape and not circular as other earlier writers had suggested. Henderson in the 1920's recorded it in similar condition to its current state.

The exact date of the enclosure is unclear.

Sources: HER:-
PastScape Monument No:-431118

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

The exact date and function of the enclosure at Castle Hill is unclear, but it does have a long documentary history and earliest suggestions included a possible round or other form of defensive site such as an Iron Age defended settlement or a small, slight univallate hillfort. Its early place name of 'Castle Hill' suggests some form of defensive earthwork, possibly of prehistoric date. The enclosure will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, function, date, territorial significance, social organisation, strategic importance, possible domestic arrangements, agricultural practices and overall landscape context.

Source: Historic England