(Centred NZ 14258195) Dead Men's Graves. (1)

'Dead Men's Graves'. A rectangular earthwork with a single rampart, approx 1 acre in area (1). The surrounding ground is 2 to 3 feet above the level of the camp, therefore the ditches would receive the water from the sides, thus forming a moated homestead. There is a rectangular depression within the camp, against the south side, and outside on the north, is an ancient east-west trackway raised several inches above the level of the field. Dimensions of the earthwork are - north 190ft, east 165ft, south 192ft, west 150ft. The ditch is obliterated on the east side, but well defined elsewhere, being 24-28ft wide, and 3-4ft deep. (2)(3)

This near square enclosure is situated on a slight, almost imperceptible eastern slope and commands an excellent view to the south.
The containing ditch has been badly mutilated by the ridge and furrow ploughing which covers the area, but can still be traced throughout its length. On the east side it is visible as a vague depression and the slopes are not surveyable. On the other three sides the ditch is 7m to 10m wide and 0.3m to 0.9m deep. On the south side there is a slight counterscarp bank 5m wide and 0.3m high.
The only trace of an entrance is on the east side where there are faint traces of a causeway crossing the ditch. The only internal feature visible is on the south side where there is a scooped depression 0.4m deep. The local name for the enclosure and for the field in which it is situated is Dead Men's Graves (from local enquiries). (4)

Resurveyed at 1:2500. General condition unchanged. (5)

Listed under rectilinear sites, but unclassified. (6)

Little can be deduced with certainty from the slight remains. While the possibility of a moat cannot be dismissed, the general form and proportions of the enclosure together with the existence of an east-facing entrance noted by F1 are more in keeping with the rectilinear type of native domestic enclosure common to the area. Survey of 27/10/64 unchanged. (7)