The palisade is a wooden wall on a ridge which completely surrounds the site. A ditch fills with water making this a formidable barricade to any would-be intruder. A path runs round the inside of the palisade.

It is this which defines the limits of the burh: inside is the preserve of the wealthy landowners, a tamed land of privilege. Outside is untamed woodland and the wider world. Only two gates, one front and one rear, link these two worlds.

Towering over the front gate is a watchtower. It is the second tallest structure on site and gives guards a significant height advantage over visitors. Impressive gates can close off the entrance.