Medieval ringwork at Park Wood (EHER 3910)

Medieval ringwork in the south-west corner of Park Wood.

Mound surrounded by a moat. The mound measures 85 x 90m. The moat (2 arms of) is shown on the old county map series (no 0S 25" available) but not the mound. The vicar of Chrishall church says it is 70 yards north-east of the church. <1> A circular work, 120ft in diameter, surrounded by a ditch, now dry, except on the west side. The RCHM classifies it as a fortified mount. <2> In the south-west corner of Park Wood, a sub-circular ring work in close woodland overlooking land to the west but in an otherwise non-commanding position. The work measures 85m overall east-west by about 90m transversely within the enclosed area (level with the surrounding ground), is 4.5m above the level of the surrounding ditch which varies from 12-20m in width. Although water-filed on the west side a slight east to west slope of the ditch suggests there was no intention to form a wet moat. The interior is mainly level with denuded perimeter banking on the north side and an amorphous raised area in the south east corner. Prominent on the north side of the work with traces visible elsewhere is a crudely formed external spoil bank. Crossing the ditch on the south side is an apparently modern causeway. Surveyed at 1:2500 on AM. <3> The 1955(?) OS card gives different dimensions - 37m wide in diameter surrounded by a moat 2.5m deep and 15m wide. Also, from the south east side of the moat there is an extending arm approx. 30m long x 12m wide, also dry. Site heavily overgrown. <4> Map in SMR. <5> Site Assessment = Generally in very good condition. Some fallen trees but damage to monument very limited. Subject of woodland grant scheme application to clear fallen trees. Recommended that there should be no replanting on monument itself. Some sewage being pumped into ditch, but this will cease shortly. See also: <6> NRHE data transfer: 1975. Field survey. TL 45213874. A sub-circular ringwork in close woodland, overlooking land to the west, but in an otherwise uncommanding position. The work measures overall 85.0m east-west by about 90.0m transversely with the enclosed area (which is level with the surrounding ground) 4.5m above the bottom of the surrounding ditch which varies from 12.0m to 20.0m in width. Although waterfilled on the west side, east to west slope of the ditch suggests there was no intention to form a wet moat. The interior is mainly level with denuded perimeter banking on the north side and an amorphous raised area in the south east corner. Prominent on the north side of the work, with traces visible elsewhere, is a crudely formed external spoil bank. Crossing the ditch on the south side is an apparently modern causeway. Surveyed at 1:2500 on AM. <7> 1977. Field survey. No change since 4.3.75. <8> Listed by Cathcart King. <9>