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)

The earliest documentary reference to Hamilton Hill appears to be Chapman’s map of 1774. This seems to be the first certain piece of documentary evidence that anyone had noticed this large sandstone knoll which dominates the skyline for a few kilometres around. (13)

Interpretations of the site include a burial mound, motte, windmill mound, gibbet/gallows, moot or place of assembly, or shrine. (13)

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 digging 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)

A topographic survey has not provided a decisive answer as to the purpose and function of the mound, but does seem to positively indicate that it is unlikely to be a barrow or a motte. (12)

Hamilton Hill has parallels with an increasing number of assembly sites, while there are growing signs that local government in the early medieval period may have undergone significant changes over time; changes for which existing documentary and topographic information can only provide limited and intriguing hints. Of all the possible explanations for the site, a place of early medieval assembly seems overall the most likely. (13)

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.

<11> Ursilla Spence, 2015, Test Pitting at Hamilton Hill (Unpublished document). SNT5749.

<12> Ursilla Spence, 2015, Hamilton Hill Topographic Survey (Unpublished document). SNT5750.

<13> Ursilla Spence, 2015, Hamilton Hill, Sutton in Ashfield (Unpublished document). SNT5751.