Monument record MDR4832 - Possible enclosure and quarrying, Bilberry Knoll, Matlock Town
Type and Period (2)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
[AREA SK 3094 5790] Bilberry Knoll appears to have been guarded by a double line of ramparts, strongly built of huge boulders and earth and probably enclosing a space some 350 yds. long by about 150 yds. wide'. At the summit of the hill stands a circle 'which is undoubtedly an artificially built mound, covering a space about 175ft. by 170 ft.'. The author seeks to associate the site with the Summer Solstice: his information, therefore, is unreliable. (1)
Trial trenching on Bilberry Knoll has yielded suggestions of occupation; further excavation is contemplated. (2)
No indication of earthworks on APs on the summit of the hill but there are earthworks visible to the east of Hearthstone Lane. (3)
There is no vestige of any artificial earthwork in the vicinity of Bilberry Knoll, which is a small natural hillock covered by rock outcrop and boulders, and surrounded for the most part by pasture fields. To the south is a similar rocky feature, partially quarried. Along the lower slopes of this, between SK 3102 5775 and SK 3108 5772, is a rough line of embedded boulders and outcrop, interspersed with small quarry waste and earth. This gives the impression of an artificial bank, accentuated by the plough headland, and is the probable basis for Simpson's alleged rampart. Indications of further earthworks apparent on APs (Authy. 3) were not visible on the ground, owing to thick bracken and scrub. (4)
No change. (5)
Various features and earthworks have been indentified in the past as ramparts, mounds and hut platforms. Some trenching by J. P. Heathcote suggested occupation. There is however no field evidence to suggest extensive earthworks of any sort, and the claimed hut circles appear more like quarry scoopers or stone-getting holes. (1-6)
Sources/Archives (6)
- <1> SDR7824 Article in serial: Simpson, J. 1915. 'Megalithic remains on Bilberry Knoll, Matlock', Derbyshire Archaeological Journal. Volume 37, pp 59-76. p.66.
- <2> SDR7368 Article in serial: Heathcote, J. 1958. 'Prehistory and Roman Section', Derbyshire Archaeological Journal. Volume 78. p.vi.
- <3> SDR1489 Aerial Photograph: 1945. APs 106 G/UK/637 4085-6 11.8.45.
- <4> SDR6447 Bibliographic reference:
- <5> SDR6591 Personal Observation: F2 FRH 22-JUL-66.
- <6> SDR11021 Index: NDAT. 1456. 1456.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 3095 5795 (10m by 10m) (Centre) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | MATLOCK TOWN, DERBYSHIRE DALES, DERBYSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (2)
- EDR120
- EDR1225
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Oct 13 2015 11:45AM