Huntingfield Ringwork

In the civil parish of Huntingfield. In the historic county of Suffolk (Modern Authority of Suffolk, 1974 county of Suffolk).

At TM 33907437 a low narrow ridge extending into a stream flood-plain has been cut by a circular ditch, which ploughing has reduced to a dark vegetation mark, about 48.0 m in diameter. The maximum height from ditch to centre of the feature is about 1.0 m, but this is due to the natural fold of the ridge; there is no obvious artificial mound. There is no trace of the adjoining enclosure to the north west. No finds have been made. The Tithe Map of 1846 refers to the fields concerned as "Lower Brick Kiln". No local or documentary evidence has been found to ensure classification of this enclosure. Superficially it resembles a ploughed-down ringwork but the siting is poor defensively. (PastScape–Field Investigators Comments-F1 JRL 08-MAY-74)
Defense was not often a consideration for the site of ringworks. The site, near to the church is, in fact, fairly typical for a ringwork. Apparent some finds of medieval pottery are recorded in the Suffolk HER. However, one might expect more evidence from tithe maps, field boundaries, footpaths and other landscape markers of this being a manorial centre. It should also be noted this was in a deer park, the site of a visit of Queen Elizabeth I. It was not untypical for fanciful features to be constructed on these occasions. On this ground I have classified this as a doubtful site.

The Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference is TM33907436

Air Photo from Air Photo and general mapping	1st edition OS Map from Mid to late 19th century maps
Modern Map from Landscape form and features	Modern Map from General location and route planning
Geograph British Isles occasionally has photos of the site and will usually give an idea of the surrounding landscape.

Sources of information, references and further reading

This site's English Heritage (PastScape) Defra or Monument number is 391591
This site's County Historic Environment Record (formerly Sites and Monuments Record) number is HFD 011 'grey' literature, such as watching brief reports, held by H.E.R.s is often poorly referenced and is unlikely to be recorded in this website.

• Other sources, 'grey' literature, unpublished works, etc. (Theses, in-house reports and other such)
  • Newman, J., Dec 1991, Suffolk Archaeological Service Site Report