Monument record MDO24686 - Sheep Down, square enclosure

A square enclosure is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs. It lies in close proximity to a group of post medieval square enclosures and is therefore likely to be of contemporary date. It was digitally plotted during the South Dorset Ridgeway Mapping Project.

A square enclosure of uncertain date and function is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs {1}, approximately 22m x 22m. It was digitally plotted during the South Dorset Ridgeway Mapping Project.

Three similar enclosures are located nearby (MDO3371-73), although these also contain a central mound. They are considered most likely to be post medieval in origin. One possibility is that they may represent the planting of saplings within fenced enclosures (in order to prevent damage by grazing stock). However, documentary maps and present field and wood names suggest that they are more likely to be earthworks associated with the management and farming of rabbits {2-3}.

<1> Royal Air Force, 04-NOV-1946, RAF/CPE/UK/1824 4279-81 (Aerial Photograph). SDO11791.

<2> Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England), 1970, An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset, Volume II (South East) Part 3 (Monograph). SDO150.

<3> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1983, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1982 (Serial). SDO82.

Record last edited

Mar 16 2012 5:32AM