Castle Close, hillfort in Devon
Castle Close is a protected archaeological site in Washfield, Devon, built as a contour fort that follows the natural shape of the land. The site contains low mounds and ditches that remain clearly visible, especially when grass is short, and sits on a hill that allows views across the surrounding landscape.
The site likely served as a defense point or lookout post protecting nearby farms and settlements in the area. Its location near the medieval manors documented in the 1086 Domesday Book links it to Washfield's long history of land management and local control.
The site is easy to explore on foot, as the landscape remains free from modern buildings, allowing you to walk around the earthworks and ditches. The features are most visible when grass is short, making early spring or late autumn ideal times to visit.
Archaeologists have uncovered pottery fragments and tools at the site that reveal details about daily life of past inhabitants. These findings show that people lived or fought here over a long period, and their stories remain preserved in these small, fragile objects.
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