Scheduled MonumentsEnglandHembury Fort

Hembury Fort

England
List entry 1018850
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Hembury Fort is a Neolithic causewayed enclosure situated on a hilltop near Honiton in Devon. The site dates to the early Neolithic period, approximately 3700–3500 BCE, and is defined by a series of interrupted ditch systems that enclosed an area of roughly two hectares. Archaeological investigation has revealed evidence of domestic occupation, including pottery and flint tools, alongside indications of ritual or ceremonial activity, suggesting the enclosure served multiple functions beyond simple settlement. The fort represents an important example of early Neolithic defensive and communal architecture in south-western Britain, providing significant evidence for understanding early farming communities and their social organisation during the transition from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies.

Hembury Fort is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1018850. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Hembury Fort?

Hembury Fort is a Neolithic causewayed enclosure situated on a hilltop near Honiton in Devon. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1018850.

Who is responsible for protecting Hembury Fort?

Hembury Fort 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 1018850.

What other scheduled monuments are near Hembury Fort?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bowl barrow in Lee's Plantation, East Hill, 560m east of Higher Rill Farm (8.7 km), Farway Castle earthwork enclosure (9 km), Four bowl barrows divided by the B3174, forming part of a round barrow cemetery on Farway Hill (9.1 km).

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