Page:VCH Leicestershire 1.djvu/319

ANCIENT EARTHWORKS At the south-west corner a sunk path, well covered by the ramparts, leads down to the neighbourhood of a spring ; and in the middle of the south side another postern is provided with its individual defence of an elliptical chamber open only to the path. Again drawing near to the south-east a depression lies at the end of the berm ; the work immediately below this angle is a modern cutting for a road. The platforms, or berms, which at present surround the north-west and south, were no doubt originally protected by ramparts. The surmises of Rollings and Camden as to its ancient occupants having been mentioned, we may observe that in 1853 were found a flint SCALE OF FEET IOO 7OO iOO ^^^^B^_A^^_W^^L^_M^^MJ SANVEY CASTLE, NEAR WITHCOTR arrow-head, fragments of rude British earthenware, and a human skeleton buried in a crouching position ; also Roman coins, a dagger, and a spear head. WITHCOTE 'SANVEY CASTLE' (xxxiii, n). 'Castle Hill,' which is situated less than a mile to the south-west of the village, is one hill amongst many, but low in comparison with those surrounding it, which overlook and command the interior of the stronghold. Seldom is a fortress found in such a position, and the thought is suggested that possibly it served as a camp of refuge, partially hidden amid its surroundings. i 249 32