Roundton Hillfort

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the well-preserved remains of a Hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43), and occupies the summit of Roundton Hill with extensive 360 degree views of the surrounding area. The Hillfort is protected by a well-defined stone and earth rampart that encircles the summit of the hill on the N, W and S sides with the E side being defended by a very steep natural scarp. There is a simple narrow entrance gap on the NE side of the rampart behind which is a level area that may well retain evidence for internal buildings - hut circles. The Hillfort measures 180m N/S by 130m E/W

The exceptional preservation of this monument qualifies it of being of national importance with potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, layout, building techniques and functional detail within the relatively undisturbed interior of the Hillfort.

The area scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is roughly ovoid in shape on plan and measures 200m N/S by 165m transversely and is located at NGR SO29379/94971.