Hembury Fort

Hembury Fort. Located in Devon, England, near the River Dart, Hembury Fort is an Iron Age hillfort that dates back to the Iron Age period, around 500 BC. The fort is situated on a hill overlooking the River Dart and is one of the many Iron Age hillforts found in Southern England, such as Maiden Castle and Danebury. The site is managed by English Heritage and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, protected by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

Introduction

Hembury Fort is a significant archaeological site, providing valuable insights into the lives of the Celtic tribes that inhabited the region during the Iron Age. The fort is one of the largest and most complex hillforts in Devon, covering an area of approximately 22 hectares. The site has been extensively studied by archaeologists, including Sir Mortimer Wheeler and Sir Barry Cunliffe, who have shed light on the history and significance of the fort. The fort's strategic location, overlooking the River Dart and the surrounding countryside, made it an important center for trade and commerce, with links to other Celtic tribes in Wales and Scotland.

History

The history of Hembury Fort dates back to the Iron Age, around 500 BC, when it was first constructed by the Celtic tribes. The fort was likely used as a defensive stronghold, protecting the surrounding countryside from invading forces, such as the Roman Empire. The fort's history is closely tied to that of other Iron Age hillforts in Southern England, such as Maiden Castle and Danebury, which were also built during this period. The fort was likely abandoned after the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 AD, when the Roman Empire established its own settlements and fortifications in the region, such as Exeter and Dorchester. The site was later reused during the Medieval period, when it was used as a motte-and-bailey castle by the Normans.

Architecture

The architecture of Hembury Fort is characteristic of Iron Age hillforts found in Southern England. The fort is surrounded by a series of earthworks, including a rampart and a ditch, which were designed to protect the site from invading forces. The fort's gatehouse is particularly well-preserved, with evidence of a complex system of gates and guard towers. The site also features a number of roundhouses, which were likely used as dwellings by the Celtic tribes. The architecture of the fort is similar to that of other Iron Age hillforts, such as Maiden Castle and Danebury, which were also built using local materials, such as limestone and chalk.

Excavations_and_Findings

Excavations at Hembury Fort have uncovered a wealth of archaeological evidence, including pottery, coins, and other artifacts. The site has been excavated by a number of archaeologists, including Sir Mortimer Wheeler and Sir Barry Cunliffe, who have shed light on the history and significance of the fort. The excavations have also uncovered evidence of a complex system of defenses, including a rampart and a ditch, which were designed to protect the site from invading forces. The site has also yielded a number of important finds, including a gold torc and a silver brooch, which are now housed in the British Museum and the Devon County Museum.

Conservation_and_Protection

Hembury Fort is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, protected by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The site is managed by English Heritage, which is responsible for its conservation and protection. The site is also protected by the Devon County Council, which has implemented measures to prevent erosion and vandalism. The site is open to the public and is a popular destination for tourists and archaeology enthusiasts, who can visit the site and learn about its history and significance through a series of interpretation panels and guided tours. The site has also been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, in recognition of its cultural and historical significance. Category:Archaeological sites in England