 | | Barbury Castle | |
High above Swindon, and overlooking the modern metropolis is one of Wiltshire's Iron Age forts, Barbury Castle. The stronghold comprises a double line of earthworks, occupying a four hectare site, with entrances on its eastern and western edges. One of Barbury's attractions is the view - the main reason why Iron Age man chose to occupy the site 2500 years ago. | | Thoughts and Theories | |
Barbury Castle lies just off one of the most important ancient routes in the UK, The Ridgeway. The significance of Barbury in England's history is reflected by its dominant position, high above the Thames valley. In the C6th the Battle of Beranburgh, between the Saxons and the Romano-British, established the Saxon kingdom of Wessex following the Briton's defeat at Barbury. Archaeological investigations at Barbury have revealed evidence of a number of buildings, indicating a village or military garrison. The hill fort was in use during the Roman occupation, through into Saxon times. Weapons and tools have been unearthed, and even evidence of chariots have been discovered. | | Multimedia | |
GALLERY:
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| | How to find it | |
Four miles south of Wroughton, signposted from A4361 and reached by an unclassified road from the B4005. On foot, Barbury can be reached by taking the Ridgeway from nearby Ogbourne St George or West Kennett to the south. Ordnance Survey: SU152761
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