ACTIVITIES
Archaeology Projects (external)
The Hartland Project - Stephen Hobbs
(Further Articles on the Hartland
Project inc Newsletters)
It started out with idle curiosity about the (apparent)
folly that stands in the area known as The Warren above the cliffs of
Hartland Quay. The initial quest has now developed into a large-scale
geophysical survey supported by Exeter University's Xarch Project, the
results of which are quite startling. To date three areas have been examined
revealing features of a complex, possibly Bronze Age, landscape in this
exposed spot.
Stephen Hobbs writes:
After a small stutter in the proceedings whilst Exeter University found
a new leader for XArch, we are now back on track with a commitment from
XArch to support the project with fieldwork until the end of 2008. They
will then assist in the writing up of the findings leading to a possible
publication in 2008/09.
Having previously examined one area (Fig. 1, Area 1), we set out to bed
in the new team (Photo) by opening up two further areas for investigation
by magnetometery survey, both in close proximity to Area 1. David Miller,
an M.A. student from Exeter, is leading the fieldwork and more difficult
introduction could not have been found. His first area (Fig. 1, Area 2)
was a small field with a steep double incline and difficult hedge-lines
surrounding it. The next area was adjacent and showed some interesting
shadowmarks. In this area (Fig. 1, Area 3) a rectangle 60 x 140 meters
was covered as an exploratory transect across the northern slope.
On David's third visit we returned with confidence to continue work on
the principal area (Area 1), essentially to more fully complete the overall
block commenced with Sean. We had a number of questions left open which
needed addressing before deciding in which direction we would continue
in this field.
Happily all three initial interpretations of the scan areas, by Sean and David, have supported the project. Although it is early days in achieving a full interpretation, it would appear that we have features indicative of Bronze Age occupation and ritual with a successive overlay of later features.
Fig 1: The Magnetrometry plots of Areas 1-3 in relation to Hartland
Quay (Courtesy of XArch)
Area 2 is of particular interest. From an aerial photograph a linear feature
was already visible which was considered to be a water pipeline trench;
however this has been shown to be a substantial bank possibly double (A
in Fig.2). This bank overlies an earlier pair of parallel linear stone
walls running SW/NE (B) between which is possible evidence of early hand
ploughing (C). These are reminiscent of Dartmoor reeves. A further delineated
compound on the west contains a possible hut circle and evidence on the
east suggests a further one (D). We will continue this area of investigation
into the adjacent field in due course to see if the features continue.
Area 3 lends itself less easily to interpretation, but would seem to contain
substantial hill-wash and indications of further features. As an exploratory
scan it does invite a fuller investigation particularly towards the hill
summit and westwards to bring in further landscape detail.
Area 1, our principal area, has continued to yield further intriguing
information. The double bank on the east has ended with a flourish with
a semicircular stone wall. The substantial bank and ditch running through
the site north/south continues its course and the elliptical enclosure
has turned into a helix so may be two features rather than one.
It is intended to produce a short newsletter of the project which initially
will be available by Email (register your interest with Stephen via Derry)
but eventually this will be incorporated with a web site for ease of distribution.
Fig.2: Interpretation of the magnetometry plot of Area 2: A - Double bank
and ditch; B - Stone boundary; C - early hand ploughing; D - ring ditches.
Copyright © 2007 North Devon Archaeological Society