Middleton (2010, p. 18) suggests that the ramparts of the hillfort may have formed ridges on the hill which caused it to be associated with the legend of the worm. She compares the worm to the dragon in Beowulf and suggests it may have been conceived as the guardian of an ancient site located on the hill. In earlier versions of the legend, however, the hill in question is Worm Hill in the nearby village of Fatfield.[23] Middleton, Penny (2010). "Historic Environment Survey for the National Trust Properties in Tyne & Wear: Penshaw Monument". Archaeo-Environment Ltd. Archived from the original(PDF) on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
Nicholson 2015, p. 2. Nicholson, Michael (2015). An Archaeological Watching Brief at Penshaw Monument, Chester Road, Penshaw, Sunderland (Report). Archaeological Research Services Ltd. doi:10.5284/1050246.
Middleton (2010, p. 18) suggests that the ramparts of the hillfort may have formed ridges on the hill which caused it to be associated with the legend of the worm. She compares the worm to the dragon in Beowulf and suggests it may have been conceived as the guardian of an ancient site located on the hill. In earlier versions of the legend, however, the hill in question is Worm Hill in the nearby village of Fatfield.[23] Middleton, Penny (2010). "Historic Environment Survey for the National Trust Properties in Tyne & Wear: Penshaw Monument". Archaeo-Environment Ltd. Archived from the original(PDF) on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
