Encampment in Piercefield Ground-Encampment in Piercewood Near Piercefield-Gaer Hill Encampment Near Piercefield-Encampment At Hardwick Near Chepstow

Description

This engraved map, taken from William Coxe's "An Historical Tour in Monmouthshire," depicts the historic defensive settlements (encampments) in Monmouthshire. Published by Cadell & Davies in 1800, this woodcut map includes detailed plans of four separate campsites. "Piercefield Campsite," in the upper left corner, is a circular Iron Age defensive site situated on the banks of the River Wye. It is surrounded by interlocking palisades and ditches, with two mound-like or tower-like structures in the center. Piercewood Campsite, in the upper right corner, on the banks of the River Wye, was built directly from the natural landforms. The map shows that the side of the camp facing the water was more heavily fortified, and the defensive walls are clearly delineated. Here, too, the campsite is dotted with dots representing tents or small structures, clearly indicating the interior layout. The "Gaer Hill Campsite, Near Piercefield" in the lower left corner is a fortification that extends over a very large area and has strong defensive systems. Within the site is a concentrated system of internal fortifications. A nearby structure called "Gaer Hill House" is also clearly visible. The outer boundaries of this camp are reinforced by a large perimeter wall. The "Hardwick Campsite, Near Chepstow" in the lower right corner, overlooking the River Wye near Chepstow, is built into the steep slopes, almost resembling a natural fortress. Deep moats and hollowed-out defensive rings are clearly visible.