|
Earthwork
|
Earthworks can take the form of banks, ditches and mounds. They are usually created for a specific purpose. A bank, for example, might be the remains of a boundary between two or more fields. Some earthworks may be all that remains of a collapsed building, for example, the grassed-over remains of building foundations.
In the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky than during the other seasons, earthworks have larger shadows. From the air, archaeologists are able to see the patterns of the earthworks more easily. Earthworks can sometimes be confusing when viewed at ground level, but from above, the general plan is much clearer.
Archaeologists often carry out an aerial survey or an earthwork survey to help them understand the lumps and bumps they can see on the ground.
|
| back |
|
SITE *
|
Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible.
|
| back |
|
FORTIFICATION *
|
A usually permanent defensive work. Use specific type where known.
|
| back |
|
LIGHT ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY *
|
An anti aircraft battery usually mounting smaller, faster weapons such as Bofors guns or a single anti-aircraft machine gun, intended to engage fast low flying aircraft.
|
| back |
|
DEFENCE *
|
This is the top term for the class. See DEFENCE Class List for narrow terms.
|
| back |
|
AIRCRAFT *
|
An aircraft, either whole or in part. Aircraft often survive as commemorative monuments, gate guardians or crash sites.
|
| back |
|
ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY *
|
A site containing one or more artillery pieces and/or rocket launchers for firing at enemy aircraft.
|
| back |
|
EARTHWORK *
|
A bank or mound of earth used as a rampart or fortification.
|
| back |
* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)