ANCIENT EARTHWORKS 



The configuration of Leicestershire does not lend itself to the construc- 

 tion of great hill fortresses such as were erected by the early inhabitants 

 of many other districts. Some heights, however, were crowned with earth- 

 works which were probably links in the chain of strongholds, found in the 

 adjacent counties, which commanded the valley of the Trent. 



That the Romans spread over this part of their province of F/avia 

 Caesariensis is evident from the numerous relics of that people, other than 

 earthworks, which have been found ; but their camps, if at any time numerous, 

 have succumbed to the plough ; Leicestershire being essentially pastoral and 

 agricultural. Their principal settlement Ratae (Leicester) will be referred to 

 in the following pages together with other more or less rectangular works, 

 some of which may safely be attributed to the Roman period. 



We know but little as to the fortifications constructed by Saxons or 

 Danes, but may be sure that earthworks were used in 1013, when Sweyn sailed 

 up the Trent and subdued the Five Boroughs and all the Saxon army north of 

 the Watling Street, the boundary of this county on the south-west. It is 

 possible that the traditional name ' Dane Hills ' preserves the memory of 

 his invasion. 



Around Leicester are remains of various earthworks, ' Dane Hills ' and 

 ' Raw Dykes,' and others at Belgrave, Humberstone, Evington, and Anstey 

 Pastures. At what period these military works were thrown up it is imposs- 

 ible to determine ; but doubtless they were made or utilized at various times 

 as outworks, or in opposition, to the great stronghold of Leicester. 



Norman lords have left definite evidences of their domination in extant 

 earthworks ; but the most numerous works of this character in Leicestershire 

 were for the defence and requirements of the inhabitants of the manor houses 

 the surrounding moat, the division banks of the adjacent offices and fish 

 ponds. 



The paucity of prehistoric earthworks is paralleled by the rarity of 

 tumuli, common in that age ; they would alike perish in so arable a district, 

 and this destruction unfortunately has occurred during a period when no 

 consideration of historic landmarks prompted the making of a record, or a 

 scientific exploration, before the pitiless march of necessity consigned them to 

 oblivion. 



In the classification of these various works of the spade we follow the 

 scheme formulated by the Congress of Archaeological Societies : 



A. Fortresses partly inaccessible, by reason of precipices, cliffs, or water, additionally 

 defended by artificial works, usually known as promontory fortresses. 



B. Fortresses on hill-tops with artificial defences, following the natural line of the hill; or, 

 though usually on high ground, less dependent on natural slopes for protection. 



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