Pillow mound on Okeford Hill 660m east of Hartcliff Farm

Scheduled area

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History & significance

Pillow mound on Okeford Hill is a scheduled ancient monument situated in Dorset, located approximately 660 metres east of Hartcliff Farm. The structure is a man-made earthwork of medieval date, constructed as a warren or breeding ground for rabbits, a common feature across medieval England where controlled rabbit populations provided a valuable food resource for manor holders. The mound exhibits the characteristic elongated, pillow-like form that gives such monuments their distinctive name, built up from the surrounding ground level to create an elevated warren structure. Such features typically date from the twelfth century onwards, though this particular example has been preserved as a scheduled monument recognising its archaeological and historical importance to understanding medieval land use and animal husbandry practices in the county.

Pillow mound on Okeford Hill 660m east of Hartcliff Farm is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1015043. View the official record →

Questions & answers

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