Dowsborough Camp

DOWSBOROUGH CAMP, HOLFORD, SOMERSET

 Dowsborough Camp lies towards the eastern edge of the Quantock Hills AONB, centred at ST 160 391. It is an Iron Age hillfort, enclosing an area of some 3 hectares. The earthwork defences comprise a rampart and ditch, with an intermittent counterscarp bank. A Bronze Age barrow lies in the north-west corner of the hillfort. Dowsborough Camp was surveyed as part of the English Heritage archaeological survey of the Quantock Hills AONB. The survey was particularly useful in revealing the plan of the earthworks as the site is now virtually covered with thick oak woodland. The earthworks, however, can also be seen on recent air photographs which were taken before the trees came into leaf. The photograph also shows how the site occupies the summit of a large domed hill, one of the highest points on the Quantock Hills.

The detailed survey showed that the site has had a long history of use, from the Iron Age to the Second World War. Extraction or trial pits for copper ore are scattered in and around the hillfort. These date from the 17^th and 18^th centuries, when small scale copper mining was carried out in the Quantock Hills. Charcoal burning platforms, dating from the post-medieval period, also occur in the immediate area, and the woodland covering much of the hillfort has been managed for some 300 years. Several slit trenches, dating from the Second World War, were also recorded. One of these has been dug into the top of the Bronze Age barrow.

For further information contact Hazel Riley on 01392 824901 or hazel.riley@english-heritage.org.uk

The full survey report (Riley, H 2002 Dowsborough Camp, Holford, Somerset. Archaeological Investigation Report Series AI/23/2002) can be obtained from English Heritage, National Monuments Record Centre, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2GZ.