MEM25605 - Prehistoric enclosure on north-facing slope of Butter Hill (Monument)

A prehistoric enclosure has been identified from aerial photographs and LiDAR analysis on the north facing slope of Butter Hill, sub-circular in shape and potentially contemporary with other prehistoric enclosures to the south.

In 2025 analysis of aerial photography and LiDAR images resulted in the identification of a probable prehistoric enclosure on the north-facing slopes of Butter Hill. [1] The enclosure is oval in shape, measuring c. 28m in diameter from north to south and 24m in diameter east to west, enclosing an area of approximately 515 square metres. This circular enclosure has been subdivided on the east-west axis by a 20th century field boundary which is not present on 1946 aerial photography. [2] The enclosure is similar to other examples of prehistoric enclosures located approximately 1km away on nearby South Common and recorded as MDE1067. These contain hut circles within their perimeters, a feature that may also have been present at the Butter Hill example but is now precluded by the 20th century field boundary.