The Romano-British Farmsteads of Worsthorne: Ring Stones Earthwork
Located east of Burnley, the site of Worsthorne is home to two Romano-British farmsteads known as the Ring Stones Earthwork. Described in archaeological reports as rare for this particular location, similar structures can be found in areas such as Northumbria. The site lies close to the Slipper Hill Stone Circle, making it an important and intriguing part of the region's prehistoric landscape.
Overview of the Ring Stones Earthwork
The Ring Stones Earthwork features a rectangular earthwork with defined outer banks (or ramparts) and ditches. The structure itself measures 56m by 41m, with the ramparts rising up to 3 feet in places, particularly along the southern, western, and northern sides. The eastern side has a less prominent bank, though the ditches on the east and west are notably well-defined.
On the northeastern side of the site, there appears to be an entrance marked by extended banks, running 15m out from the earthwork. Additionally, there is a possible trackway or path running across the interior of the site, traversing from east to northwest, though these could be more recent additions.
A smaller earthwork is visible on the northwest side, measuring approximately 18 yards square. While faint, this feature could provide further insight into the layout and use of the site. Interestingly, at the western and northwestern sides of the earthwork, large and small stones are embedded into the ramparts, suggesting that these were incorporated into the construction process.
Historical Excavations and Discoveries
The site was briefly investigated by antiquarians in 1888, but a more detailed excavation occurred in 1925. This excavation revealed a cobbled floor and outlined the remains of a structure, which may have been associated with an oven or quern, especially in the area near the annexe. A well-constructed gateway, approximately 7 yards wide, was discovered on the southwest side, paved with boulders and gravel. A drain was also found along the southern side of the structure, and large stones flanked the entrance.
A road, around 7 feet wide, was found running towards Bottin Farm, which is located about half a mile to the west of the site. This could be the same road that linked the earthwork to Gorple Road or another path running northwest towards Swinden. The layout and features of the site suggest that it may have been an important hub for daily activities, possibly a farmstead or temporary camp used during the later Roman period.
Structure and Design
The overall design of the Ring Stones Earthwork is very similar to other Romano-British structures, including the Bomber Camp Earthwork near Gisburn, Lancashire. The earthwork has often been thought to date from the Iron Age, but the features and structure point towards a Romano-British date, most likely from the mid to late 4th century AD. The presence of well-defined banks and ditches, as well as the cobbled floor and paved gateway, suggests a more sophisticated and planned design typical of Roman-British settlements.
The earthwork is sometimes referred to as the Slipper Hill Earthwork or the Hameldon Pasture Earthwork, as it is located near these landmarks. Although there is no definitive conclusion about its function, it is generally accepted that the site served as a Romano-British farmstead or perhaps a temporary military camp. The lack of concrete evidence leaves room for further speculation and study, but it is clear that this site played a role in the broader historical context of Late Roman Britain, a time marked by increasing tribal conflicts and the eventual retreat of the Roman army.
The Significance of the Site
The Ring Stones Earthwork stands as an important remnant of Romano-British history, offering valuable insights into the region's past. Its location, design, and features suggest that it was an integral part of life during the late stages of Roman occupation in Britain. Though the site's exact purpose remains unclear, its connection to nearby monuments, such as the Slipper Hill Stone Circle, and its strategic layout indicate that it may have been a place of significant activity, whether as a farmstead or temporary military station.
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