Pike Hill Signal Tower was excavated in 1931, when a number of pottery fragments were found. These date to Hadrian's reign as Emperor, and also as late as the 4th century, suggesting this particular defence feature was in use until at least the 4th century AD.

Investigations carried out by English Heritage in 1971 indicate that the modern road has destroyed much of the structure - leaving only the south east corner. Originally the signal tower would have been square, about 6 m each side. The tower has deep foundations, and was built on mortared rubble platform. This would have allowed for a structure of some height.