Making the invisible visible : new survey and investigation of the Iron Age Hillforts of Bigbury and Oldbury in Kent
Bigbury and Oldbury are two significant monuments of the Iron Age, yet their dates, use and importance are not well understood. This Thesis has employed a series of methods and approaches, with the aim of addressing the shortfall in our knowledge. The results help to place these sites in a wider landscape and contextual setting. Oldbury, at an area of 50ha, is one of the largest Hillforts in Britain; despite the scale of endeavour in constructing its massive earthwork circuit, it has been suggested by its excavators that it was probably not permanently occupied. This research, (in particular by the application of an extensive geophysics survey of over 50% of the interior), revealed that this suggestion requires further examination. The survey identified potential zones of activity within the interior and a possible indication that there may have been a smaller Hillfort or enclosure before the present ramparts were constructed. The research also brings together all of the available previous studies of the site for comparative analysis as well as relevant finds data from the Kent HER and other sources. Coupled with this data, the study investigates the location and visibility of Oldbury within the Iron Age landscape
Bates, Andrew
Making the invisible visible : new survey and investigation of the Iron Age Hillforts of Bigbury and Oldbury in Kent. Bigbury and Oldbury are two significant monuments of the Iron Age, yet their dates, use and importance are not well understood. This Thesis has employed a series of methods and approaches, with the aim of addressing the shortfall in our knowledge. The results help to place these sites in a wider landscape and contextual setting. Oldbury, at an area of 50ha, is one of the largest Hillforts in Britain; despite the scale of endeavour in constructing its massive earthwork circuit, it has been suggested by its excavators that it was probably not permanently occupied. This research, (in particular by the application of an extensive geophysics survey of over 50% of the interior), revealed that this suggestion requires further examination. The survey identified potential zones of activity within the interior and a possible indication that there may have been a smaller Hillfort or enclosure before the present ramparts were constructed. The research also brings together all of the available previous studies of the site for comparative analysis as well as relevant finds data from the Kent HER and other sources. Coupled with this data, the study investigates the location and visibility of Oldbury within the Iron Age landscape
making invisible visible new survey investigation iron age hillforts kent significant monument iron_age yet date use importance well_understood employ series method approach aim_address shortfall knowledge help place sit wide_landscape contextual setting area one_large hillforts britain despite scale endeavour construct massive earthwork circuit suggest excavator probably permanently occupy particular application extensive geophysics survey interior reveal suggestion require examination survey identify_potential zone activity within interior possible indication may small hillfort enclosure present construct also bring_together available previous_study site comparative_analysis well relevant find data kent source coupled data study_investigates location visibility within iron_age landscape