Monument record MDO43310 - The Knoll, Corfe Mullen

A cottage enlarged in the 18th century and again in the mid-19th century. O G S Crawford suggested that earthworks in the grounds might be considered as a possible Iron Age hillfort, but a later visit by Ordnance Survey field investigators indicate that these earthworks are more likely to be associated with ornamental landscaping in the grounds of the house. This country house is now a preparatory school.

"The Knoll", originally the site of a cottage, much enlarged in the 18th century and further enlarged in the mid-19th century, house and grounds being improved. <1>

This roughly oval hill, oriented ENE-WSW, is tree-covered with paths, drives, and ornamental gardens. The situation is fairly good for defensive purposes, and this seems the only justification for the opinion suggested by the entry in <1>. <3>

<1> Crawford, O G S, Annotated record map 6 inch (Map). SWX7265.

[SY 9762 9736] Hill-fort

<2> Hutchins, J, 1868, The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset. Volume 3. 3rd edition, 359 (Monograph). SDO11486.

<3> Quinnell, N V, Various, Field Investigators Comments NVQ, F1 NVQ 19-NOV-55 (Unpublished document). SDO11903.

<4> National Record of the Historic Environment, 457131 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jan 5 2022 3:00PM