A HISTORY OF DEVONSHIRE 



south, the most easy for assault, is provided with a fosse nearly 45 ft. on the slope of the escarp- 

 ment, and 30 ft. perpendicular measurement, which is gradually reduced in depth as it approaches 

 the courtyard. The entrance at the north-east corner is on the verge of the steep decline, and 

 the southern side of it alone demanded the skill of the engineers. Here the outer vallum widens 

 into a platform 160 ft. in length and 14 ft. above the ground level, while the inner vallum returns 

 at a right angle into the camp. Between the two ramparts the fosse forms a sunken road through 

 which the defenders could pour their reserves from the court on to the enemy at the gate, or pass 





their cattle without taking them through the camp. At the middle of the west side is an entrance 

 between the camp and the court where the agger on either side slightly incurves. 



Within the central area are two large tumuli, or mounds. 



Denbury was anciently known as Devenibyr, and Devenibyrie, names which gave rise to a 

 questionable supposition that this camp was of Danish origin. 



Woodbury (O.S. xciii, 3). — Woodbury Castle has exceedingly strong entrenchments of 

 eccentric form, being adapted to the formation of the ground. Situated on the north of Woodbury 

 Common, 4I miles from Topsham, beyond the east bank of the estuary of the Exe, the camp 

 occupies a commanding position on the verge of a precipitous descent towards the river. 



590 



