Banjo Enclosure
Banjo enclosures are small and generally sub-circular in form with an elongated entranceway of parallel ditches that give them the appearance of a ‘banjo’ or ‘frying pan’ from above.
This type of enclosure dates to the late prehistoric period, with a particular cluster between 100 BC and AD 43. Most banjo enclosure sites have been interpreted as settlement sites, possibly being high status. They can occur in isolation, in pairs, or in small groups as part of a wider landscape typically in the south of England (Dor, Glos, Oxon, Wilts etc).
Banjo enclosures are usually identified as cropmarks or features picked up through geophysics. The entrance passageway often survives better than the circuit, suggesting the earthworks of the approach were emphasised. Some Banjo enclosures have more complex plans with elongated entrance trackways, ditches extending off the entranceway and additional or adjoining enclosures.
Further Reading:
Historic England’s Introductions to Heritage Assets: Banjo Enclosures
What to look for:
- Small size with a diameter generally less than 100m and enclosed area of 0.2-0.5 ha
- Frequently located on hillslopes or valley sides
- Elongated entrance passageway of two roughly parallel ditches c. 5-10m apart, occasionally paved with flint
- Enclosure usually consists of an internal V-shaped ditch and external bank
- Possible associated small enclosures
