Broomhall Copse

Description

Despite some subsequent disturbance, the ringwork in Broomhall Copse survives comparatively well, and part excavation has shown that the monument retains archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, original use and abandonment. The monument includes a medieval ringwork constructed on a sandstone and clay ridge which forms part of the Surrey Weald. The ringwork, which is situated just to the north of the Surrey/West Sussex county boundary, survives as a low, circular, flat-topped mound measuring 32m in diameter, surrounded by a defensive dry ditch up to 5.5m wide and 0.5m deep. Access to the interior was by way of a simple, 4m wide causewayed entrance through the south eastern defences. Fragments of glazed Norman pottery and red floor tiles were discovered during part excavation of the mound in 1928. The investigation also revealed large quantities of charcoal beneath a layer of disturbed ground, indicating that the mound was the site of contemporary wooden structures which were destroyed by burning, and the earthwork defences slighted, at the time of the abandonment of the ringwork. (Scheduling Report)

An early Norman castle mound in Broomhall Copse, on the Surrey border near Rudgewick. Excavated by Winbolt in 1928. The mound which is planted with hazel and birch is 89ft in diameter (to centre of ditch), 3ft high and has a flat top. Cross trenches were dug at right angles 5ft down to undisturbed clay, and produced three pieces of early Norman green glaze pottery, a great many fragments of red floor tiles, and a considerable amount of charcoal. There are remains of a metalled causeway some 7ft wide. A ditched mound described as possibly a motte but very small and weak. It is situated upon the highest part of a hill within a wood, is itself tree covered and is in fair to good condition. (Surrey HER)