PCA Winchester was commissioned by the Estate Manager to undertake an archaeological watching brief (monitoring and recording) on land at Woolbury Ring Hillfort. The hillfort setting comprised a Scheduled Monument which was built during the early 5th century BC.

Previous investigations on the hillfort include a contour survey and excavations, the latter undertaken by Barry Cunliffe. Magnetometer surveys of Woolbury Ring indicate an absence of internal structures. The function of the hillfort therefore differs from other hillfort sites such as Danebury, where a focal point for activity has been attributed. Only a small number of pits have been previously recorded within the site confines. These were dated to the early Iron Age.

The archaeological works completed focused on the unauthorized excavation of a new water pipe trench. Our investigations included the investigation and recording of the trench and a subsequent search of the mechanically excavated spoil for artefacts, to satisfy the conditions of the Scheduled Monument Consent. Further excavation was also required to investigate the features damaged by the water pipe installation.

In total, five archaeological features were recorded. This comprised a section of the hillfort enclosure ditch, two other ditches, a large shallow pit and a smaller subcircular pit. Finds associated four of these features to the Late Roman period. The watching brief helped to confirm the occupation of the interior of the hillfort during the late Romano-British period.

The programme of works was concluded, and a report produced in line with planning regulations.