Scheduled MonumentsEnglandPreshute Down field system

Preshute Down field system

England
List entry 1004763
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Preshute Down field system is a prehistoric agricultural landscape located in Wiltshire, comprising a series of linear earthworks and field divisions that reflect Early Iron Age or possibly Late Bronze Age land organisation. The monument consists of lynchets and associated field boundaries that are visible as subtle banks and ditches across the downland, characteristic of the intensive arable farming practised during the later prehistoric period. The field system demonstrates the development of settled agricultural communities and their management of the chalk downland environment, representing an important phase in the prehistory of the Wiltshire landscape. Such field systems are valuable archaeological evidence for understanding prehistoric settlement patterns, land use practices, and social organisation in southern Britain during the later Bronze Age and Iron Age periods.

Preshute Down field system is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1004763. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Preshute Down field system?

Preshute Down field system is a prehistoric agricultural landscape located in Wiltshire, comprising a series of linear earthworks and field divisions that reflect Early Iron Age or possibly Late Bronze Age land organisation. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1004763.

Who is responsible for protecting Preshute Down field system?

Preshute Down field system 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 1004763.

What other scheduled monuments are near Preshute Down field system?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Long barrow in Barrow Copse (9.2 km), Wansdyke: section from S of Furze Hill to Marlborough-Pewsey road (9.2 km), Langdean stone circle (9.4 km).

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