Hill Top, Near Delph, Oldham

 

Hill Top, Near Delph, Oldham: 

Located near Grains Bar Rd/Delph Road (B6197), Hill Top in Oldham is an area of significant archaeological interest. This site features a hollow form situated close to a public footpath, measuring 13.74 meters in diameter and standing at a height of 48 cm. The site has been the focus of several excavations, offering clues into its past use.

Early Excavations and Discoveries at Hill Top

Initial excavations at Hill Top began in 1890, where five test trenches were dug across the site. These early excavations uncovered pieces of charcoal and burnt stone, leading researchers to hypothesize that the area served as both a ritual burial site and possibly as a settlement, potentially containing around four huts.

The findings and the layout of the site prompted comparisons to other similar sites discovered in the Derbyshire Peak District and parts of Yorkshire, supporting the theory of Hill Top’s dual role in both ritual and daily life. Despite this, later excavations in 1911 and during the 1980s yielded no grave goods or human remains, leaving much about the site's true purpose still open to speculation.

Archaeological Features and Limited Excavations

Another interesting feature near Hill Top is a large ring mound located in one of the meadows. This mound, measuring 15 yards in diameter and 1'6" high, has been excavated and revealed more charcoal and burnt stone fragments, adding to the site's significance as a potential ceremonial location.

However, further investigations in 1980s revealed that a ditchless earthen mound—with a height of 0.5 meters—was likely the remains of a denuded round barrow, rather than a ring mound as originally thought. Although this mound has been altered by time, it remains an important part of the archaeological landscape.

Nearby Archaeological Features: Bowl Barrow and Surveying

In addition to Hill Top’s features, there is a bowl barrow located approximately 190 meters NNE of Knarr Barn (SD 9800 0744). This slightly oval-shaped mound stands up to 0.5 meters high with dimensions of 18m by 17m. Despite several limited excavations—most notably in the 1980s, which only removed the topsoil of a single trench—no significant findings were recorded. However, the bowl barrow has remained well-preserved and offers further evidence of prehistoric activity in the region.

Access and Map Information

The Hill Top site is classified as Access Grade 2, ensuring that visitors can explore the area while respecting its historical significance. For those interested in navigating the site, a map image is available from OpenStreetMap.

Conclusion: A Site of Prehistoric Importance

Hill Top, near Delph, remains a significant archaeological site, with evidence of ritual practices, settlement activity, and prehistoric burial sites. While excavation efforts over the years have yielded limited physical evidence, the charcoal, burnt stone, and mounds continue to offer vital clues into the past. As archaeological techniques improve, further investigations may uncover even more about the ancient communities who once inhabited this region.