SU2473 : Earthworks, Lewisham Castle
taken 9 years ago, 3 km from Aldbourne, Wiltshire, England
A ringwork, used in the medieval period, though possibly with earlier origins. It consists of an elliptical embankment with an external ditch, and lies just below the brow of a north facing chalk scarp overlooking Aldbourne Chase. The overall diameter is 68 metres, and the earthwork is strongest at the south-west (uphill) weakening towards the north-east quadrant where the outer ditch has been ploughed out.
19th century finds of iron arrowheads and large quantities of medieval pottery in its immediate vicinity demonstrate that it was certainly utilised in the medieval period. There is a tradition of its being constructed and used by the mercenaries of Louis the Dauphin in April 1217 and thus may have an origin and use similar to that of a siege castle. However, it has also been suggested that it originated as a hunting lodge.
It is a scheduled monument. Link Link Link