Rectilinear Enclosure
A Rectilinear Enclosure is a form of monument where the area of land enclosed by a ditch, bank, wall or other barrier is composed of straight or near straight sections.
The form of an enclosure can sometimes be used to suggest a rough date for the monument. It is thought that enclosures with more irregular or rounded rectilinear forms are earlier prehistoric sites, and those with very straight sides and sharp corners belong to the Iron Age or Roman period.
Rectilinear differs from rectangular in that the shape can have more than four sides as long as all sides are straight and many may meet at right angles. This monument type is based on form and can also be used when the visible sides of an enclosure are straight but it cannot be said to be definitely rectangular or square.
What to look for:
- Straight sides, with angular turns
- It will not necessarily be a simple form like a square or rectangle i.e. it can be ‘L’ shaped
