Cut Hill Cist

Database entries

OS Map: SX 59819 82707
OS Source: Garmin
HER: MDV134402
Alternate name: Cut Hill
Short Name: CT Cut Hill
Exist: Yes
Record: Unique
Record Source: HER
Cist Class: Yes
Cairn Class: Yes
Lidar: SX 59819 82707
Guide Map: 17
Nearest Bus Stop: Postbridge Post Office (8.1 km) [Route: 98,171]
Nearby sites: SX 59819 82707

Notes

"Potential early Bronze Age cist feature noted on Cut Hill in 2021. Charcoal from the site have been radiocarbon dated and the samples were dated to 1881 - 1698 cal BC (3831 - 3648 cal BP). Subsequent pollen analysis has confirmed likely prehistoric origins for this feature, which is not of natural origin, as well as noting the construction of the feature took place at a time when the local area was characterised as open heath-type vegetation."

This site was excavated in August 2024 and the contents of the cist have been removed to be analysed at the Wiltshire Consevation Centre in Chippenham. Even with an accurate grid reference it is difficult to now see this feature as it was covered over after the excavation. The PDW author visited the site on 12th October 20024 a few weeks after the feature had been covered over and signs of the excavation could still be seen in the main photo above.

There is great coverage of the Cut Hill cist in Dartmoor News No.196 Sep/Oct 2024. Paul Rendell has kindly given permission for one of the photos showing the cist before it was covered over to be reproduced here.