Portingbury Hills - Hatfield Forest ..
Portingbury Rings is an area of ancient earthworks found in Beggars Hall coppice in the north-west of Hatfield Forest.
The main rectangular mound is approximately 100 by 70 feet and is surrounded by a ditch 25/35 feet wide, with a flat top.
Evidence from an investigative dig suggests that the original ditch surrounding the mound would have been 6-7ft in depth forming a ‘V’ shape. This suggests a possible enclosure with timber supported earth ramparts.
The original purpose of these structures is not totally clear. It would have been too small as a hill-fort and is not in a defensible position. It was more likely to have been a farmstead with minor defences. In 1964/65 an archaeological group carried out an investigative dig.
Finds were few but sufficient to establish an Iron Age dating.
Painting of 'The Hills' by John Meyer ..
FREE DOWNLOAD Hatfield Lake Screen Saver
National Trust | Hatfield Forest | History
