ANCIENT EARTHWORKS which would readily be defended by a very small force. The straight opening shown on the plan, right through the centre of the rampart, is clearly of later date than the original construction, and was probably the work of the Romans, during the time when this strategic position must have come within the necessities of their operations. Round the edge of the two precipitous sides of the fort is a rough wall, mainly modern character, as a safeguard for sheep or other stock. In the early in ' seventies,' this walling, particularly at the north-west angle, was com- posed of much larger stones than is at present the case, and had an older and ruder look. 1 There can be little or no doubt that a substantial wall SCALE or FEET O 100 7.00 3oO COMB MOM. of cyclopean character crowned the precipitous ridges of this fort in the early days. Major Rooke was the first to draw attention to this fort. He sent a communication to the Society of Antiquaries, with a plan, which was published in 1789.* The most valuable part of his brief report refers to the examination (with sectional plan) which he made of the double rampart. He says : ' The construction of the vallum is different from any I have ever seen ; being formed of long stones placed diagonally, so as to press inward towards the centre, and then covered with earth : the 1 From notes of my firit visit to Comb Moss, June 1873. 363
- jfrcloro&gia, ix. 139.
