16 ENCLOSURES AT SMALLACOMBE. 



built not a hundred years ago, which at first sight might very 

 well be taken for some of the most primitive character. 



Near the southern extremity of the paved way, on its west 

 side, (at s), are the foundations of a rectangular structure, 12 feet 

 by 18 feet; and others of similar form and dimensions occur on 

 the hill-side still further south. 



The situation occupied by these remains is not one that would 

 have been chosen for military purposes, as the hill rises rather 

 steeply to the west, thus affording an enemy great advantage in 

 an attack. But the exceedingly great breadth of the walls, on 

 this side in particular, favours the supposition that the place was 

 to some degree fortified ; as, for the mere purpose of enclosing 

 spaces, walls one-third the thickness would have done as well. 

 The east wall of the northernmost enclosure (l) presents a curious 

 and unusual section ; internally it is perpendicular masonry, but 



outside it assumes the appearance 

 of a sloping bank. This would be 

 contrary to military arrangement ; 

 but probably it was covered by the 

 great east rampart, on which the 

 more modern walls are built, extending farther northward than 

 they do at present. 



It would appear as if this place of settlement was chosen for 

 some special purpose on this particular spot ; certainly not for a 

 military post, though it was necessary it should be protected ; and 

 the traces of ancient stream-works for tm seem to indicate the 

 nature of the employment of the people. 



The name " Smallacombe " (the place has also been known as 

 Faggleford) would imply a Saxon cocupation of the valley ; but re- 

 search by digging within the enclosures might supply more satis- 

 factory proofs of the date of the buildings than may be obtained 

 from the present apj)earance of the walls. 



These interesting remains are the joint property of T. S. 

 Bolitho, Esq., and of Richard Foster, Esq. 



