A higher resolution plot of one such section near a junction showed it to be also bordered by rows of four-post structures, generally about 2. A line of responses commensurate with stakeholes appears to extend between the post-built structures and the nearest ring-ditch. The trackways divide the internal area into blocks of features and within each block examination of the magnetometry reveals at least one structure surrounded by its own enclosure.
In the south-east corner, there are two areas abutting the quarry pits that appear to be screened with palisades. A Royal Commission survey conducted in , notes the existence of a slight bank and ditch running some ft from the southern rampart and disappearing into the ploughed area.
The magnetometry shows that this linear feature continues before turning north-west towards the angle of the Roman and prehistoric ramparts. There is a shorter linear running east — west near the northern rampart. The double ditch and rampart that surround the Roman fort can be seen, as can the two titulus ditches that served to better protect the entranceways.
The blank areas clearly evident in the plot are where the slope proved too steep to survey. Within the Roman camp the outlines of rectangular buildings are evident, with particularly strong responses and internal divisions showing in one feature in the south of the camp.
These buildings clearly overlie the faint traces of circular structures which can also be seen at the northern edge. One very clear circular feature near the centre of the camp marks the structure currently identified and scheduled as a Bronze Age barrow and five strong magnetic responses occur around the outside of the Roman rampart. The ring ditches almost certainly represent Pimperne style Iron Age dwellings, comprising a central ring of post-holes for roof supports surrounded by a ring of smaller holes for stakes that supported the daub walls.
In many cases the walls have collapsed to form a low bank over the stake holes and the whole structure is enclosed by a shallow ditch or drip gully with an entrance to the south-east side. It is worthy of note that Boyd-Dawkins had not excavated the bank of wall material that encroaches on the interior. However, if some or all of the enclosures revealed by magnetometry are contemporary it would suggest that there was more than one chieftain and therefore, perhaps, a federal system or oligarchy.
The western portion of the survey area has few magnetic features, but resistivity survey of this zone in detected circular platforms that appear to have been terraced into the slope, further identifying several ring ditches that are invisible to magnetometry. Given that the magnetic susceptibility analysis indicates significant enhancement of soil in the occupied area, natural silting of cut features could be expected to produce a higher contrast.
The supposition is, therefore, that the features were intentionally back-filled. We ask all visitors to follow government guidance on travel and social distancing to keep everyone safe. Dorset's largest hill fort renowned for its downland wildlife. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel. Perched high above a meander on the River Stour, this hill fort has wide ranging views over rural Dorset and is home to wildflowers and butterflies.
An easy walk around half of a hilltop Iron Age hill fort, after either a steep slope ascent or a longer ascent up a gentler slope.
Dogs are welcome at Hod Hill if kept under control at all times and on a lead when livestock are grazing. Just remember to observe the usual rules about keeping your dog under control around livestock and bagging and binning the poop. West Dorset is an ideal holiday location. Our places to stay are located by the coast in gorgeous countryside that's featured in the hit TV programme Broadchurch and the Far from the Madding Crowd film starring Carey Mulligan.
A new project will help to protect this stunning hillfort, important for its archaeology and its wildlife. Caring for Hod Hill, a very special Dorset hill fort, is a complex process, balancing the needs of the wildlife and habitat with conservation of the archaeology.
National Trust Ranger Michael Clark explains. Explore the earthworks from both the Roman and Iron Age periods and imagine what it would've looked like thousands of years ago. The grassland and archaeology are maintained by a mixture of cattle, sheep and good old fashioned bow-saw.
Skylarks sing overhead and in the winter, it's a great place to watch kestrels hunting small mammals and to see buzzards riding the up draught. The more sheltered woody edge provides a place for butterflies like the speckled wood.
There is a constant battle to prevent scrub from colonising the very important SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest grassland and smothering the chalk flora. Keep going for about yd m , where on the left you should be able to see the remains of one of the best preserved Roman forts in the UK.
The Romans captured Hod Hill in 44AD and built a fort which was defended by foot soldiers and cavalry. Continue along the ramparts and have a look down to the River Stour on its route from Stourhead to Christchuch. The next section of ramparts is particularly rich in wildflowers including cowslip, common spotted, pyramidal and fragrant orchid, agrimony and clustered bellflower.
At the next corner, there's a path which drops down an old lane to Stourpaine. Look out for butterflies here, including the marsh fritillary, chalkhill blue, Adonis blue and marbled white. Keep going round the hill fort and take in the fantastic views over rural Dorset and the Cranborne Chase towards Melbury Down. If you look down to the A, the vehicles seem almost like matchboxes from this distance.
We hope that you really enjoyed this one-mile walk. It was abandoned in 51 AD as military priorities changed. Inside the hillfort there are remnants of buildings and property boundaries in the form of circular hollows and ridges. Hod Hill is also home to a variety of plants and animals.
The thin chalk soils on the steep ramparts are ideal for fine grasses, sedges and flowers which attract a wealth of butterflies. There is a small car park for Hod Hill half a mile off the A The nearest bus stops are Stourpaine and Durweston.
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