Principal Archaeological Landscape: Bury Castle, Selworthy (20)

Location Bury Castle lies at the end of a spur which curves out from the upland ridge of North Hill, Selworthy Beacon and Bossington Hill. The spur is defined on the west by Holnicote Combe and on the east by Selworthy Combe. It occupies a prominent position overlooking the Vale of Porlock. Description of Archaeology Bury Castle comprises a small univallate enclosure occupying a spur end position. The substantial earthworks of the enclosure are augmented by an outwork on the west side. Further away to the north west is a second detached earthwork. The spur was enclosed with a now relict field system comprising field banks and ridge and furrow. The field system has incorporated the detached outwork of Bury Castle and ridge and furrow is visible between the detached outwork and inner enclosure. Principal significance Bury Castle is one of several prehistoric enclosures on Exmoor with outworks, however only 2 – Bury Castle and Staddon Hill Camp have multiple outworks. Despite the later field system, the enclosure earthworks are exceptionally well preserved.