Sharpenhoe Clappers
‘History under your feet’ - Sharpenhoe Clappers
Sharpenhoe Clappers occupies a steep spur on the northern Chilterns escarpment in southern Bedfordshire. It comprises the earthwork remains of two terraces on the northern slope and two banks which run across the spur to the south. It was believed to be an Iron Age promontory fort however a small archaeological excavation carried out in 1979 suggested that the site has a more complicated history.
Archaeological excavations at Sharpenhoe Clappers in 1979
The excavation showed that bank was in fact of medieval date and had been built as a rabbit warren. The existence of warrens in the Sharpenhoe area is suggested by the ‘Clappers’ name, which means ‘rabbit warren’ or ‘land with rabbit burrows’. Despite the later than expected date for the bank the investigations found that it was overlying earlier features, including a ditch and a palisade trench which would once have held timber posts. These features do date to the Iron Age and artefacts dating to this and the Roman period have also been found at the site.
The geography of the area certainly makes it a suitable location for a promontory fort. The natural steep slopes to the north, west and east would have been easy to defend, whilst anyone approaching from the south would have been seen well before they arrived.
Sharpenhoe Clappers has been covered in trees since the middle of the 19th Century and the woodland and monument are owned and managed by the National Trust. It is recognised as a nationally important site and is protected as such as a Scheduled Monument.
Access
Footpaths – There are a number of footpaths linking Sharpenhoe Clappers to the surrounding areas. The footpaths that cover Sharpenhoe Clappers can be found on the OS Explorer 193 Luton & Stevenage and the OS Landranger 166 Luton & Hertford. Please note that some of the routes to Sharpenhoe Clappers include steep steps and climbs and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
Car Parks – There are two car parks within easy reach of Sharpenhoe Clappers. At the southern end of the Clappers, approximately 800 metres away you will find the National Trust car park. This can be reached via the Streatley to Sharpenhoe road. There is also a car park and picnic tables at the Sundon Hills Country Park. It is approximately 2 miles from the Clappers off the Upper Sundon to Harlington road.
Parking may be available within Sharpenhoe village and the Clappers can be reached from the public footpath that leads off Barton Road.
Refreshments/Toilets – There are no refreshment or toilet facilities at Sharpenhoe Clappers. Sharpenhoe village is less 500 metres to the north-west of the monument.
Further Information
If you want to find our more about the publicly accessible sites features here or the archaeology of Bedfordshire there are a number of ways you can do it:
The Heritage and Environment Section at Bedfordshire County Council are responsible for managing and maintaining the Historic Environment Record for the county. This contains records of all the known archaeological sites and historic buildings with Bedfordshire and is free to access. To make an appointment please contact the HER team on 01234 228072/88 or email: bedfordshireher@bedscc.gov.uk|.
Many of the archaeological artefacts discovered in Bedfordshire have been deposited in the county’s Museums, details of opening hours and collections can be found below.
Bedford Museum| (opens in new window), Tel: 01234 353323 .
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton| (opens in new window), Tel: 01582 548600
Wardown Park Museum, Luton| (opens in new window), Tel: 01582 546722