Huntingfield Ringwork

Has been described as a Questionable Timber Castle (Ringwork)

There are cropmark/slight earthwork remains

NameHuntingfield Ringwork
Alternative Names
Historic CountrySuffolk
Modern AuthoritySuffolk
1974 AuthoritySuffolk
Civil ParishHuntingfield

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)

Gatehouse Comments

Defense was not often a consideration for the site of ringworks (or for most other forms of castles). 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 Gatehouse has classified this as a doubtful site. See also Huntingfield Hall > http://www.gatehouse-gazetteer.info/English%20sites/3407.html]

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceTM339743
Latitude52.3173599243164
Longitude1.42993998527527
Eastings633900
Northings274360
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Other

  • Newman, J., Dec 1991, Suffolk Archaeological Service Site Report