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The Archaeology of Castle Hill
  
Trench 1
Trench 2
 
Trench 3
 
Trench 4

Week 3

Trench 1

Index

Week 2 update

Week 4 update

Week 5 update

Week 6 update

Interim Summary Reports

Photographs of people at work

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Latest from Castle Hill

Excavating the south side of the ditch.
  Excavation in Trench 1 has concentrated on the sides of the ditch and counter-scarp. The original chalk sides of the ditch have been revealed. The steep sides of the ditch illustrate the defensive function of the hillfort, whilst the dramatic bright white chalk exposed clearly demonstrates how prominent the hillfort would have been when first constructed. The construction was probably Early-Middle Iron Age, although, so far we have only found three pieces of Iron Age pottery. We are hoping to find more evidence so that we can date its construction more accurately.
   
 

On the north side of the ditch the original turf line lies behind the plank we have placed to prevent any slippage. This is also approximately where the face of the rampart would have been.

We anticipate that we will have to remove 3 m of soil before we reach the base of the ditch.
   
       
                     
  Link to the Northmoor Trust website

If you would like to help on the dig please speak to one of the team, or contact Denise Price, at Oxford Archaeology on 01865 263800. Application forms may also be obtained by e-mail from denise.price@oxfordarch.co.uk.