Ringwork

A ringwork is a form of fortified defensive structure, usually circular or oval in shape.

Defences were usually earthworks in the form of a ditch and bank surrounding the site.

[1] Ringworks originated in Germany in the 10th century as an early form of medieval castle and at first were little more than a fortified manor house.

They appeared in England just prior to the Norman conquest and large numbers were built during the late 11th and early 12th centuries.

[3] D. J. Cathcart King and Leslie Alcock proposed the following classification of ringworks based on their surviving remains:[4]