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<< Our Photo Pages >> Castle Ditch Eddisbury - Hillfort in England in Cheshire

Submitted by widnes_archaeologist on Monday, 15 February 2021  Page Views: 26716

Iron Age and Later PrehistorySite Name: Castle Ditch Eddisbury Alternative Name: Eddisbury Hillfort
Country: England County: Cheshire Type: Hillfort
Nearest Town: Northwich  Nearest Village: Delamere
Map Ref: SJ553694  Landranger Map Number: 117
Latitude: 53.219760N  Longitude: 2.670913W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
3 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
3 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
3 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
4

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Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by dodomad : Development of Middle Iron Age and early Roman gate-mechanisms through time. Source: Rachel Pope , Richard Mason , Derek Hamilton , Eddie Rule & John Swogger (2020): Hillfort gate-mechanisms: a contextual, architectural reassessment of Eddisbury, Hembury,and Cadbury hillforts, Archaeological Journal https://doi.org/10.1080/00665983.2019.1711301 (Vote or comment on this photo)
Eddisbury is the largest and most complex of the seven hill forts in the county of Cheshire. It was constructed from 400 BC onwards. In the 1st century AD, the Romans slighted the site.

Ownership is currently split between the Forestry Commission and a local farm. There is evidence of Bronze Age activity at Eddisbury. Before 250 BC, a palisade was erected on Eddisbury Hill. The first hill fort was built in 200–100 BC. Eddisbury hill fort has two main archaeological phases. In the first phase of activity, the site was defended by a single rampart and ditch; this type of hill fort is termed "univallate".

The settlement was concentrated on the eastern part of the fort's hill. During the second phase, the fort extended westwards, occupying the entire hill top, and the defences were enhanced through the addition of more ramparts and ditches. The enclosed area expanded from 5.5 acres to 7 acres and the defences covered 15.5 acres, 6 acres more than previously.

There are two theories about the expansion of the fort: either the growth westwards and the extended defences were completed at the same time or that they were separate events. If they happened at the same time it is likely to have been in the interest of making the site easier to defend. If they were separate, the ramparts may have been extended to incorporate an entrance at the western end of the site. The expansion phase dated to 1–50 AD.

Read more at Wikipedia

In the comments below: Publication of the excavations and investigations of the 'Hillforts of the Cheshire Ridge' project 2009-2012, more details on our page below

Note: Following the rediscovery of the excavator Bill Varley's archive, Rachel Pope and Richard Mason have worked out the functioning and development of the iron gate mechanisms at Eddisbury, Hembury, and South Cadbury hillforts. Eddisbury’s gate-mechanisms are revealed as the earliest in Europe, with Roman adoption of Iron Age technology. Details in the comments on our page.
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Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by widnes_archaeologist : Eddisbury Entrance Way I am currently working on an excavation of the Eddisbury Hillfort i will upload more pictures of what was found (Vote or comment on this photo)

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by widnes_archaeologist : Extended entrance trench (Vote or comment on this photo)

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by widnes_archaeologist : The excavated entrance way of eddisbury hillort. This is were they would have entered into the fort (Vote or comment on this photo)

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by Vicky : Castle Ditch Hillfort, Eddisbury, Cheshire GR: SJ553694 Eddisbury Hillfort is located at 152m above sea level on the eastern flank of the Mid Cheshire Ridge. A double bank and ditch dating to the Iron Age can be traced to the north and west, while to the south and east there appears only to be a single bank. An old stone quarry occupies part of the interior and a number of cremations from t... (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by Postman : Walking round the ditch March 2006 (Vote or comment on this photo)

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by Postman : Tucked away in the corner are two out of place construtions, I know not what they are, this is the other one.

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by Postman : Looking up at the fort from the forest's edge

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by Postman : The entrance

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by Postman : Walking round the ditch March 2006

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by Postman

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by Postman : Tucked away in the corner are two out of place construtions, I know not what they are, this is one

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by TimPrevett : "I remember when this was all roundhouses and livestock enclosures" may be the response if one could interview one of the ancient British who once lived here. This settlement from over two millenia ago is now a field.

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by TimPrevett : Looking north along the edge of the eastern interior.

Castle Ditch Eddisbury
Castle Ditch Eddisbury submitted by TimPrevett : As viewed from the east; notice the two figures atop, in the centre - these two gentlemen we bumped into, and they'd been there specifically to visit the hillfort, too.

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"Castle Ditch Eddisbury" | Login/Create an Account | 11 News and Comments
  
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Hillfort gate-mechanisms: a contextual, architectural reassessment by Andy B on Monday, 15 February 2021
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Hillfort gate-mechanisms: a contextual architectural reassessment of Eddisbury, Hembury, and Cadbury hillforts by Rachel Pope , Richard Mason , Derek Hamilton , Eddie Rule & John SwoggerTo cite this article: Rachel Pope , Richard Mason , Derek Hamilton , Eddie Rule & John Swogger(2020): Hillfort gate-mechanisms: a contextual, architectural reassessment of Eddisbury, Hembury,and Cadbury hillforts,

his paper offers a typology of hillfort gate-mechanisms, and a developed understanding of temporal depth in hillfort architecture – via applied contextual analysis. Rediscovery of the Eddisbury hillfort archive revealed three iron gate-mechanisms. To situate these rare objects, detailed analyses of entrance architecture and stratigraphy was conducted – for Eddisbury and parallels (Hembury, South Cadbury) – enabling new sequences, resolution of the Mid-Late Cadbury sequence, and reconstruction of the Cadbury gate-fittings. Crucially, Bayesian analysis of C-14 dates from Eddisbury confirm a 400 BC date for developed hillforts. Eddisbury’s gate-mechanisms are revealed as the earliest in Europe, with Roman adoption of Iron Age technology.

https://doi.org/10.1080/006659

PDF version here
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Hillforts of the Cheshire Ridge - Publication of the Investigations from 2009-2012 by Andy B on Tuesday, 31 January 2017
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Hillforts of the Cheshire Ridge, Investigations undertaken by The Habitats and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme 2009-2012

The Cheshire hillforts are some of the most conspicuous features of the prehistoric landscape in Cheshire, located on the distinctive Cheshire Sandstone Ridge. They have been subject to years of archaeological research and investigation, however this has delivered only a limited understanding of their chronology, function, occupation history, economy and status. These hillforts are major elements of the prehistory of the region, but the lack of information about them is a major gap in our understanding.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Habitats and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Project focused on six of the hillforts and their surrounding habitats and landscapes. The aim of the project was not only to develop archaeological understanding, but also to raise awareness of these special assets in the landscape and the management issues they face. The Habitats and Hillforts Project was a collaborative partnership, led by Cheshire West and Chester Council, with Historic England, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust and the Forestry Commission, as well as private landowners. These landowners and land managers came together to share approaches to managing heritage assets on the Sandstone Ridge. The project core team was assisted by university specialists and archaeological contractors in surveying, excavating and researching the hillforts. A range of techniques including archival research, geophysical survey, earthwork survey, lidar, fieldwalking, excavation and palaeoenvironmental analysis, was employed to develop our understanding of these significant sites. A large and dedicated group of volunteers and students joined in this work, which encouraged more people to enjoy these assets and take an active role in their management.

The Habitats and Hillforts Project has shed new light on the Cheshire Hillforts. Their chronology can now be seen to have developed from middle/late Bronze Age origins, much earlier than traditionally accepted. The possible development of distinct architectural styles in their construction can be suggested and an enhanced understanding of their surrounding landscape has been achieved. This volume details the results of the four year project, and sets out how these contribute to a deeper understanding of the ordering of the landscape in western Cheshire during the later prehistoric period and beyond. It should form a vital resource for informing future research priorities regarding the late Bronze Age and Iron Age of both Cheshire and the wider North West region.

Covers Castle Ditch Eddisbury (above), Woodhouse Hillfort, Helsby Hill and other sites

By Dan Garner, with sections by Ian Brooks, Wendy Carruthers, Richard Chiverrell, Jill Collens, Heather Davies, Peter Marshall, Richard Mason, Sylvia Peglar, Mitchell Pollington and Rachel Pope and contributions by John Carrott, Alison Foster, Lindsey Foster, Gemma Martin, Barbara Mauz, David Mullin, George Nash, Susan Packman, C Prior, Helen Ranner, Ian Smith, Neil Suttie and Angela Walker

Price £45.00 or eBook from £15.83 + VAT if applicable
Published by Archaeopress
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Re: Castle Ditch Eddisbury by Anonymous on Wednesday, 01 December 2010
Hi all,

If anyone has any information/local history, or memories of the hillfort perhaps regarding the early excaations that you think may be relevant to the ongoing archaeological investigations at Eddisbury Hillfort, please get contact us at richardgsmason@hotmail.com.

Thanks

Eddisbury Co-director with Liverpool Archaeological Field School
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Re: Castle Ditch Eddisbury by SumDoood on Saturday, 27 November 2010
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The first seven images here are recent and relevant:
http://bit.ly/2jQKgk1
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Re: Habitats and Hillforts Delamere site dig to continue for three weeks by SumDoood on Thursday, 11 November 2010
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Looking forward to the publishing of findings. I visited 07/11/10 between showers. The excavations are all variously flooded. I'd never visited a hill fort topped by a potoato field. How old is the hole (quarry?) in the middle of the site?
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Habitats and Hillforts Delamere site dig to continue for three weeks by coldrum on Tuesday, 31 August 2010
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AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL dig exploring Delamere’s Iron Age history has been given a three-week extension.

The Habitats and Hillforts project at Eddisbury Hill will continue as staff and volunteers try to uncover the true size of the hillfort entrance.

Project officer Dan Garner said: “We did some trenches at Helsby Hill in April and members of the local parish council there were asking if we had to fill them in – people like the fact that archaeological remains are on view.

“But part of the agreement with English Heritage is that we fill them in when we’ve finished, mainly because that’s the best way to preserve what we find.

“If we leave it on display, we would have to consolidate it and protect it from the elements.


Habitats and Hillforts Delamere site dig to continue for three weeks

07:56, Aug 26 2010

by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle


AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL dig exploring Delamere’s Iron Age history has been given a three-week extension.

The Habitats and Hillforts project at Eddisbury Hill will continue as staff and volunteers try to uncover the true size of the hillfort entrance.

Project officer Dan Garner said: “We did some trenches at Helsby Hill in April and members of the local parish council there were asking if we had to fill them in – people like the fact that archaeological remains are on view.

“But part of the agreement with English Heritage is that we fill them in when we’ve finished, mainly because that’s the best way to preserve what we find.

“If we leave it on display, we would have to consolidate it and protect it from the elements.


“This is an expensive process.

“If we decide to leave the entrance to the hillfort on long-term display, it would still have to be filled in while we decided what to do and how.

“One winter would have a devastating effect up here.”

The overall aim of the project is to conserve and enhance the string of six historically important Iron Age hillforts along the sandstone ridge.

New interpretation boards, self-guide walk leaflets and a roving exhibition will be put together at the end of the project.

The group is also busy recording its finds so far.

“In terms of project highlights, probably the best is yet to come,” added Dan.

“It will be the results of the excavation work, and not just here but at Helsby and Woodhouse, that will put the icing on the cake because we will have dates to put to the hillforts instead of just saying iron age.”

http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=habitats-and-hillforts-delamere-site-dig-to-continue-for-three-weeks%26method=full%26objectid=27141158%26siteid=50020-name_page.html
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Habitats and Hillforts project stage dig at Eddisbury Hill by coldrum on Wednesday, 25 August 2010
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Habitats and Hillforts project stage dig at Eddisbury Hill

THE Habitats and Hillforts project has been staging a four week archaeological dig at Eddisbury Hill Iron Age Hillfort.

The intention is to re-excavate trenches through the ramparts and one of the entrances that were originally opened up between 1936 and 1938 in order to expose the sections and recover charcoal samples for radiocarbon dating.

Project officer Dan Garner described the activities and progress from the first week.

He said: “The team has concentrated on re-excavating one of the hillfort entrances. The work so far has revealed spectacular preservation, with the stone flanking walls of the entrance still standing to approximately 1.5m in height.

“They have started to uncover parts of two stone built ‘guard chambers’ on the interior of the entrance and the sockets that would have originally contained the timber gate posts.


“This trench will be extended during this week in order to uncover the stone front of the hillfort’s rampart and the full extent of the entrance.

“The only artefacts recovered so far have been associated with the 1938 trench backfill.

“Nevertheless, they have included some interesting objects including pieces of 18th century pottery, glass and clay tobacco pipe as well as a glazed brick of late 16th or early 17th century date; which probably once formed part of a fireplace in one of the nearby farm buildings.”

The second week of the excavation saw the team being bolstered by students from Liverpool University who looked at an area of the hillfort known as Merrick’s Hill.

The scheme is supported by dedicated partners including Cheshire Community Action, English Heritage, Forestry Commission, National Trust, Woodland Trust, Cheshire Landscape Trust and private landowners as well as the Mersey Forest who are all committed to the overall success of the three year project.

http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=habitats-and-hillforts-project-stage-dig-at-eddisbury-hill&method=full&objectid=27031610&siteid=50020-name_page.html?
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Habitats and Hillforts: Exploring Eddisbury Hillfort, July 2010 by Andy B on Sunday, 11 July 2010
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Habitats and Hillforts: Exploring Eddisbury Hillfort

Mon 19–Fri 23 & Mon 26– Fri 30 July 10.00–16.00

Visit an archaeological training excavation involving students and volunteers. Guided tours of the excavations will be offered to groups by prior arrangement. …

Visit an archaeological training excavation involving students and volunteers throughout the two weeks of the festival. Guided tours of the excavations will be offered to groups by prior arrangement. eddisbury hillfort is a scheduled ancient monument in mixed private ownership. A section of the ramparts and an area of the interior will be investigated with the prime aim of recovering material suitable for scientific dating in order to establish a framework chronology for the site.

Location: Eddisbury hillfort, Delamere. SJ 5532 6933. Park at the Forestry Commission’s visitor centre at Linmere and then follow the footpath for approximately 2km to the hillfort.

O: Cheshire West and Chester Council
N: Dan Garner
T: 07833 236675
E: habitatsandhillforts@cheshire.gov.uk
W: http://www.habitatsandhillforts.co.uk

Festival of British Archaeology 2010
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Re: Castle Ditch Eddisbury by Anonymous on Wednesday, 07 November 2007
I am carrying out research into the life of Aethelfleada, the Lady of the Mercians and eldest daughter of Alfred the Great. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle states that she built a burh in 914 at Eddisbury. I assumed that she refortified the old hill fort. Can anyone provide further details?

Mike
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Re: Castle Ditch Eddisbury by Anonymous on Saturday, 07 January 2006
My brother in law used to own OLD PALE FARM where the fort is situated.I have always found it hard to believe that there hasnt been more excavations on this site as it also contains a roman fort.Its vantage point obviously being a major benefactor when chosing this site.My friend and i went there a number of years ago and found it contained a tunnel across the highest part of Eddisbury hill.I think this is an ideal job for Time Team.
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Castle Ditch Eddisbury by Anonymous on Thursday, 29 July 2010
    can you say where this tunnel is? as the fort is currently being
    excavated by the habitats and hillforts team.
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