Scheduled MonumentsEnglandPromontory fort, medieval chapel of St Michael's and Second World War radar station at Rame Head

Promontory fort, medieval chapel of St Michael's and Second World War radar station at Rame Head

England
List entry 1004510
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Rame Head is an ancient hillfort situated on a prominent coastal promontory in south-east Cornwall, England, commanding views across the waters between Devon and Cornwall. The site comprises multiple phases of occupation spanning from the Iron Age through to the twentieth century, including an Iron Age fortification with substantial ramparts, a medieval chapel dedicated to St Michael dating from the fourteenth century which sits within the hillfort's interior, and a Second World War radar station constructed during the 1940s. The promontory fort's defensive position and strategic location have ensured its continued significance across different periods of English history, from its original Iron Age construction through medieval pilgrimage and religious observance to its operational role in modern aerial defence. The survival of structures from these distinct historical phases, particularly the chapel and the remains of the fortification, provides material evidence for understanding patterns of long-term settlement and the re-use of defensive sites across centuries.

Promontory fort, medieval chapel of St Michael's and Second World War radar station at Rame Head is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1004510. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Promontory fort, medieval chapel of St Michael's and Second World War radar station at Rame Head?

Rame Head is an ancient hillfort situated on a prominent coastal promontory in south-east Cornwall, England, commanding views across the waters between Devon and Cornwall. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1004510.

Who is responsible for protecting Promontory fort, medieval chapel of St Michael's and Second World War radar station at Rame Head?

Promontory fort, medieval chapel of St Michael's and Second World War radar station at Rame Head 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 1004510.

What other scheduled monuments are near Promontory fort, medieval chapel of St Michael's and Second World War radar station at Rame Head?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Royal Commission Fortification: unfinished battery at Knatterbury (1.8 km), Royal Commission fortifications at Forder Hill including two musketry lines and a road block (2.2 km), Cawsand Fort (2.6 km).

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