Remains of promontory camp covering c 3 acres. In 1785 Hayman Rooke surveyed the earthwork and a partly ploughed out circular (40yds diam) ditch to the N. He considered the work to be Ro (see L 8294 for finds). (1) (2) (3)
As shown on 6in sheet. No sign of "circular vallum 40yds diameter to W of camp". Some ridges on hillside above Combs Wood. VCH describes this as a promontory fort. I don't think this is established as the earthworks could have been destoyed in the E half of the camp by modern farm buildings. The site may be Preh but a case could be made out on visual evidence for a Med date. (4)
Mansfield Arch Soc excavated a section through the ditch and bank (at SK 63075514) in 1961-2. Two separate charcoal layers were discovered. The ditch had a (? cleaning) slot at its base, and a 9in high waterstone kerb was found at the bank's lowest point. (5) (9)
Linear depressions in the field to the W suggest outer ditches to the earthwork. The circular ditch surveyed by Rooke cannot be seen. (6)
The remains of a univallate settlement, originally c 4 acres in extent, situated c 110m above sea level in a commanding position with excellent all round observation. The existing earthworks are fragmentary consisting only of a ditch at the western extreme and the remains of a scarped bank on the S face. The whole has been farmed for many years and is now a depository for farm refuse and silage. The "circular ditch" reported by Rooke cannot now be traced but his siting falls on a steep N facing slope. The linear depressions of (6) are natural and no outer defences to the main fort are evident. IA "A" origin suggested, with no sign of later modification. (7)
Small scale excavations took place here 20 years ago directed by Brian Skinner (sic - ? Simmons) prior to the farmer putting up a barn on the NE corner of the site. Some Ro pottery was found, (see L 8294) but since the IA in Notts was virtually aceramic (?) this does not have to be particularly important. The earthwork is much more likely to be Preh and especially now that several Ro marching camps have been found in the vicinity, eg one only 1/4 mile to the N. (8)
Morph: 46.10.1 (10)
See L 8294 for Ro finds, L 2758 (SK 65 SW), L 2759 for nearby finds, L 2894 for bronze implements

<1> Rooke H, 1789, Archaeologia, p 200 (Published document). SNT1209.

<2> VCH, 1906, Notts, pp 290-1 (Published document). SNT1383.

<3> VCH, 1910, Notts, pp 26-7 (Published document). SNT1384.

<4> DOE, 1949, AM7 (Unpublished document). SNT56.

<5> Thoroton Society, 1963, TTS, pp 9-13,15 (Published document). SNT377.

<6> OS, Air photos (Aerial photograph). SNT983.

Other Refs: 60 60 79-80

<7> Colquhoun FD, 1974, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT582.

<8> Samuels JR, 1985, AM107 (Unpublished document). SNT1230.

<9> EMAB eds, 1961, East Midlands Archaeological Bulletin, p 13 (Published document). SNT155.

<10> RCHME, National Mapping Programme, Notts - Morph Data (Unknown). SNT1470.