Scheduled MonumentsEnglandBelsar's Hill ringwork

Belsar's Hill ringwork

England
List entry 1010368
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Belsar's Hill is a ringwork, a type of medieval fortified enclosure that dates to the Norman period, likely eleventh or twelfth century. Located in Cambridgeshire, this monument comprises a roughly circular or oval earthwork with an outer bank and ditch, characteristic of small baronial strongholds constructed across England following the Norman Conquest. The site represents the architectural tradition of motte-and-bailey fortifications adapted to local topography and defensive needs, serving as a residence and administrative centre for a local landholder. Ringworks of this class are considerably more numerous in Cambridgeshire than mottes, reflecting the varied approaches to fortified settlement in the region during the medieval period.

Belsar's Hill ringwork is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1010368. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Belsar's Hill ringwork?

Belsar's Hill is a ringwork, a type of medieval fortified enclosure that dates to the Norman period, likely eleventh or twelfth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1010368.

Who is responsible for protecting Belsar's Hill ringwork?

Belsar's Hill ringwork is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1010368.

What other scheduled monuments are near Belsar's Hill ringwork?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Giant's Hill: a motte castle with part of an earlier medieval settlement and associated field system (2.3 km), Cottenham moated site (3.4 km), Romano-British settlement on Bullocks Haste Common (4.2 km).

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