MEM24532 - Possible undated semicircular enclosure at Black Gate (Monument)

A semi circular enclosure with internal elevations was noted on Lidar data. The interior of the enclosure is lower than the surrounding ridge and may show two pit like structures. The feature may have been obscured by later activity.

Lidar data of the site appears to show a semi circular enclosure on a broadly flat topped ridge, 50 metres east to west and 55 metres north to south, with internal elevations. The interior of the enclosure is lower than the surrounding ridge and may show two pit like structures. The feature may have been obscured by later activity; it is possible that an unusual combination of the ridge topography and very damaged lynchets could produce such a circular structure but this was not thought to be the case here. [1] Further assessment of the site took place in 2024, prompted by advice from Dr Chris Smart of Exeter University. He suggested that the site bears comparison to other site forms including performance spaces from the medieval and more likely Roman periods, although he did not rule out its possible similarity to prehistoric henge monuments [2]. As part of this, a desk based analysis of the field names in the surrounding area suggested they may reference earlier structures then more visible or remembered within the landscape. The use of the name Love Hall for the fields containing the enclosure may suggeest a recognition of the enclosure as an impactful structure, while references to Brickenfort and Brickfort fields may suggest remnants of a further related structure nearby, althoug these may also be corruptions of the nearby Bickfont House. The detailed lidar assessment provided a more detailed remeasuring of the enclosure, refining its size to a circular form with a radius of c. 26.5m in the northern half, and a slightly elongated 30m radius in the southern half, likely due to erosions caused by later agricultural activity. It is suggested that the monument was originally a more regular circular shape with a diameter of approximately 53m, with a circumference of about 166.5 m enclosing an area of c.2206 sq m. After this initial assessment, lidar was used to consider the height of the enclosure around its circumference, concluding that not only was there a significant difference in height between the embankments and the interior suggesting deliberate levelling and excavation, but further the remaining embankment was noted to have two upstanding areas, north-east and south-west, separated by areas of lower elevation to the east and west, creating an interrupted ring shape. This assessment also considered the dating of the site. Analysis of the medieval ridge and furrow and lynchets in the field concluded that these overlie the enclosure, which therefore predates them. It noted that there is no sign of a ditch, usually associated with a prehistoric henge, so although this interpretation remains possible, it is unlikely. The 2024 restudy noted the similarity of this site and the De Bathe Pool at the North Tawton military complex, which is of comparable size and very similar in shape. Further research is needed to assesss the strength of this possible comparison, but the presence of features shared with other sites dedicated to viewing and performance is notable, regardless of their period of origin. [3]