A small cache hidden near the Scheduled Ancient Monument of Rackham Banks.
Rackham Banks
The raised bank that crosses the South Downs Way here, running roughly north to south, is known as Rackham Banks, and protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Dating from the middle Bronze Age (c.1500 - c.500BC), the Banks consist of two features - a cross dyke and Itford Hill style settlement.
Cross Dykes are substantial linear earthworks consisting of a bank, and parallel adjoining ditch. Present thinking among archaeologists is that these would have been used as territorial boundary markers, for example to indicate land allotment within communities. Although the banks may look relatively inconspicuous now, when they were first dug and created from fresh chalk, a 3.5m high, 12m wide bright white bank would have stood out prominently in the landscape. Very few examples of how pre-historic people divided up their land survive today, and as such this cross dyke is considered to be a very important monument.
Abutting the central area of the cross dyke on the north western side is an Itford Hill style settlement. Named after the area on the downs east of here, where the best known example was excavated in the mid 20th century, these were small settlements consisting of one to three dwellings, and covering no more than 3ha. Archaeological finds of the site here suggest that the settlement was occupied from the late Bronze to early Iron Age, and that the inhabitants were practicing mixed farming.
The South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is a National Trail, running 100 miles from Winchester in the west, to Eastbourne in the East. It is the only National Trail to occur entirely within a National Park, and consists of a bridleway throughout, meaning that you can travel the length of the trail on foot, on bike or on a horse. You can find out more information about the trail at the National Trail website - http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way.
TRAVELLING SUSTAINABLY
Amberley station is the closest train station to explore this area.
You can cycle to this geocache, access to the area is via the South Downs Way