On Hamilton Hill a large circular mound ... It has a deep quarry ditch around it and for that reason is probably early BA. It has a commanding position on an outcrop of bunter sandstone. (1)
Large earthwork - probably Neo burial. (3)
Round barrow and possibly site of King's Gallows of the Manor of Mansfield which are indicated in this area. (Apparently a mis-siting). (4) (5)
The summit of Hamilton Hill is occupied by a large shallow depression apparently formed by surface quarrying presumably for the bunter sandstone which forms the hill. Slightly E of the centre of the depression is a bowl shaped mound, oval in plan; 26m E-W, 21m N-S and 2.5m in height above the floor of the depression. No analogies are known for such a large ditch surrounding a barrow and the position of the mound in the quarry suggests it is not a barrow, though it is possible that it was deliberately left. A letter to AH Oswald elicited no further comment save that it is likely that his earlier opinions on sites in the area might now be changed. (6)
Suggestion of a Bronze Age barrow is not supported by the overall form of the monument. Neither does it appear to be any sort of fortification or defended enclosure. More effort was invested in diging the hollow than in raising the mound. This raises the hypothesis that the earthwork was a purpose-designed arena, either for means of entertainment or as a place of assembly. (10)

Data Held (Document). SNT2647.

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<1> Thoroton Society, 1939, TTS, p 11 (Published document). SNT356.

<2> Thoroton Society, 1942, TTS, pp 1-2 (Published document). SNT359.

<3> Kay SO, 1949, OS Corr 6in (Personal comment). SNT853.

<4> Oswald AH, 09/02/1938, OS Corr 6in (Personal comment). SNT1096.

<5> Surveyor unknown, c 1376, Duke of Rutland's Map (Map). SNT148.

<6> Woodhouse WC, 1959, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT1437.

<7> DOE, AM7 - undated, no author (Unpublished document). SNT52.

<8> Seaman BH, 1974, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT1252.

<9> Dodd A, 1988, AM107 (Unpublished document). SNT620.

<10> Sumpter AB, 1993, Hamilton Hill, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts SAM 128 - An Analytical Survey (Unpublished document). SNT1457.