Archeological Investigations

Prehistoric Period - Survey Results and Interpretation

There is ample evidence for the occupation of Garway Hill by early peoples. One of the most prominent archaeological features on the Common is a substantial bank and ditched enclosure settlement measuring about 90m square. The ramparts survive to a height of 2m and are 4-5m wide in places. Although no features remain visible on the surface to indicate any structural presence, the scale of the bank and ditch earthworks might suggest that the enclosure dates back to the Iron Age, and perhaps indicates a defensible farmstead.

This enclosure was the subject of an archeological dig in June 2006, funded by the Garway Hill Commoners Association with financial help from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Expert supervision was provided by Herefordshire Archaeology and volunteer labour was drawn from the local community.

(More about the dig and what was found)

Recent aerial photography has also indicated the presence of a second previously unknown settlement enclosure in the southwest sector of the Common. This smaller, at 30m square, and has only 3 sides clearly delineated. The interior is of particular interest as the slope of the hill has been levelled into a series of terraces, one of which shows traces of the remains of a stone structure or its foundations. This enclosure has not been the subject of any prior archeological investigations.

Download the Full Survey Report

Prehistoric section (PDF 143k)

Aerial view of the enclosure

Topographical drawing

Copyright © 2007 Garway Hill Commoners Association