Hazel Grove Camp (South)

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument comprises the remains of an earthwork/stone-built enclosure. The date or precise nature of the enclosure is unknown, but it is likely to be later prehistoric or medieval. Hazel Grove Camp South is located on a spur of land with steep slopes to valley floors 30m below on the south and west sides. It defended on the north and east sides by a curving bank 1.3m - 1.8m above the interior and 3.2m above a 2m deep counterscarped ditch. This rampart in a reduced form runs along the crest of the steep slope on the south side of the site whilst the steep slope which protects the site on the west side has been enhanced by an unfinished railway cutting abandoned in 1851. There is a simple entrance on the northeast side where the rampart stops short of the steep valley side. A curving low bank divides the interior in two. It is unclear whether this is an earlier line of defence or not.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation and settlement. The site forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.