The Excavation of Staple Howe | A Palisaded Hilltop Enclosure in Knapton Plantation

Brewster, T. C. M. [Thomas Cape Mason Brewster] Foreword by Charles Francis Christopher Hawkes (5 June 1905 - 29 March 1992) English archaeologist specialising in European prehistory and Professor of European Archaeology at the University of Oxford from 1946 to 1972.

Published by Published by The East Riding Archaeological Research Committee, Wintringham, Malton, Yorkshire First Edition . 1963., 1963

About this Item

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original navy buckram covered boards, blocked and lettered gilt back. 8vo. 10'' x 8''. The monument includes a Late Bronze | Early Iron Age palisaded hilltop enclosure situated on a natural chalky knoll half way down the northern scarp of the Wolds in Knapton Plantation. Separated from the main ridge of the Wold by a deep ravine, the steep-sided knoll rises to 115m above sea level and is a naturally defensive spot with commanding views over the Vale of Pickering and the Carrs. The Wolds are known to be rich in prehistoric remains, including Bronze and Iron Age linear earthworks and Early Bronze Age burial mounds. Although the exposed and practically soil-less hilltop bears no visible traces of the prehistoric settlement, the below-ground remains of the palisadedefences and some internal structures were identified during Thomas Cape Mason Brewster's excavations in the 1950s. Subsequent to the excavations, concrete markers were inserted into the backfilled foundation pits of these structures to indicate their position and a footpath was constructed up the west side of the knoll to assist visitors' access. Brewster's excavations revealed that the earliest defences comprised a relatively lightly built stockade near the top of the knoll and with three minor entrances in addition to a main gateway on the south side. This palisade was later replaced with a stronger one, located further down the slope, on a line approximating to the 111m contour. The later defences were remodelled on at least one occasion and comprised a stout timber revetment packed behind with chalk. The southern entrance was maintained throughout the life of the settlement but, presumably to increase the security of the enclosure, only one entrance existed in the later phase. The internal structures included the post-holes, hearths and floor surfaces of three huts, and the foundations of a rectangular timber granary, raised on stilts. Among the finds from the site were bronze razors of the 'Hallstatt C' type, objects of jet, bone and antler, Bronze and Iron Age pottery, clay spindle whorls and loom weights. Fragmentary human remains were also found. Contains colour frontispiece, small colour vignette to title, (iv), 161 pp (+ i) with 39 plates including maps + 95 figures throughout, triptych folding excavation plan to the rear. In Fine condition, no dust wrapper as issued, unused new book. Member of the P.B.F.A. YORKSHIRE (Jórvík). Seller Inventory # 107099

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Excavation of Staple Howe | A Palisaded ...

Publisher: Published by The East Riding Archaeological Research Committee, Wintringham, Malton, Yorkshire First Edition . 1963.

Publication Date: 1963

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Fine

Edition: 1st Edition