Undated earthwork mound at Hempstead (EHER 1538)

Flat topped mound of uncertain date or function, at the junction of three roads in Hempstead Village. It has a level circular platform 10 metres in diameter, and stands between approximately 0.2 metres and 1.4 metres high. Traditionally, it has been associated with witchcraft and also the Highwayman Dick Turpin.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Unclassified mound at junction of three roads in village. Fairly good condition, unclassified. <1> In 1950 a flat-topped mound 10m in diameter and about 1m high except on the north west side where the ground slopes down to the stream. Perimeter of mound planted with trees, act as supports for a chain-rail. The mound is cut into a westerly slope, forms a level circular platform 10.4m in diameter. Stands 0.2m high on the east, 1.4m high on the west. Local enquiries suggest the feature could be a cock-pit, also in folklore it is connected with witchcraft and Dick Turpin (traditionally he is supposed to have lived in the tavern opposite). Real purpose of mound is not known. Does not appear on the Tithe Map. Site Assessment = Perimeter of mound planted with trees, act as supports for a chain-rail. <2> Not a mill mound nor a barrow. <3> May 1960. Field survey Flat-topped mound 10.0m in diameter and approx. 1.0m high except on the north-west side where the ground slopes away rapidly down to the stream. The perimeter of the mound has been planted with trees which act as supports for a chain-rail. Purpose of the mound not known. <4> January 1978. Field survey. The mound is cut into a westerly slope and forms a level circular platform 10.4 m in diameter. It stands 0.2 m high in the east and 1.4 m high in the west. Local enquiries suggest this feature could be a cock-pit, but it is also embodied in folklore as having been connected with witchcraft and the highwayman Dick Turpin, who is traditionally supposed to have lived in the tavern opposite. The real purpose of the mound would appear to be unknown and it does not appear on the Tithe Map <5>. Published 25" survey (1921) revised. <6>