The Rumps

The Cliff Castle The Rumps is located on a promontory formed by volcanic activity from basalt. Located on the north coast, north of Polzeath in Cornwall in England rock formation is for geologists of interest.

Description

The Promontory Fort uses a narrow isthmus that connects a forked tongue of land to the mainland. During the late Iron Age was fitted with three section walls. The existing gravel rock walls represent at least two phases, starting with the innermost wall. He uses a natural escarpment in the rocks. The outer wall is spaced from the other two, and is smaller. He may have been topped by a wooden palisade. The only entrance is located more or less centrally located and has taken form of wooden bridges that cross trenches. The complex gatehouse was built of wood and later built in stone with massive wooden gates.

Foundations of circular huts were found between the middle and inner wall and inside. The artifacts found during excavations in the 1970s show phases of use in the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD The ceramic finds are made to a high share of local late Iron Age goods, consisting of the gabbro - toning of the Lizard Peninsula ( Cornish Lysardh ) is made. A number of ceramics including burnished and cardonierter goods are represented, and some wear comb-like or pierced pattern. The stone artifacts consist of spindle whorls, whetstones and weights. In a hut circle faint traces were discovered on the ground which can be interpreted as the imprint of a weight loom. A blue glass bead and a large number of mammal and bird bones were found in the fill of the inner ditch.

Context

Although Cliff Castles appear built for the defense, it is likely that they had different functions. The ramparts were primarily approaching obstacles, as they are elsewhere known as Chevaux de fries. While there is evidence for various commercial activities within the complex, prove the previous limited excavations no detailed interpretation of permanent, seasonal or sporadic use, were associated with ceremonial or symbolic activities or worldly things. It seems that Cliff Castles are often located in places with cultural significance from earlier periods and are associated with Bronze Age grave mound representing a multiple feature of their interiors.

Rumps Cliff Castle can be reached via the coastal or inland via a public footpath from Pentire farm.