How Hill Prehistoric Hilltop Fort, Swaledale

To the W of Downholme, a large univallate hillfort on the summit of How Hill. Its prominent position commands views across Upper Swaledale and the route S to the Vale of York. Ploughing in the middle ages on the S and E side of the hill has partially destroyed the defences on these sides and they survive best on the N and W where the ground is steepest. The enclosed area measures c. 2.0ha. The defences comprise a 2.5m wide rampart which stands 0.3m above the ground surface and a 5.8m wide shallow outer ditch. Beyond this lies a counterscarp bank 1.9m wide and 0.5m deep above the ditch. The ramparts in the S and E can still be seen on aerial photographs. Topographic and photographic survey carried out by Archaeological Services, Durham University recorded the Iron Age earthworks, medieval cultivation and evidence for post medieval stock management. A 1ha gradiometer survey within the interior identified five probable ring-ditch features most likely the remains of roundhouses and a number of probable pits.