Liddington Hillfort
Sightseeing attraction | Swindon | England | United Kingdom
Liddington Castle, also known as Liddington Camp, is a significant Iron Age hillfort near Swindon, Wiltshire, England. It is one of the earliest known hillforts in Britain and provides valuable insights into the prehistoric past of the region.
Location and Structure
The castle is situated on Liddington Hill, approximately 275 meters above sea level, and covers an area of about 3 hectares. Its strategic position near the prehistoric path The Ridgeway provided the ancient inhabitants with a wide view over the surrounding landscape, beneficial for both defense purposes and the control of trade routes.
The fortification consists of an oval rampart made of earth and wood, surrounded by a ditch. There are two opposing entrances in the east and west, with the western entrance later blocked. The eastern entrance may have been lined with sarsen stones, and it is believed that a palisade of wooden posts lined the top of the rampart. In a later construction phase, the rampart and ditch were reinforced by piling chalk from the expanded ditch onto the rampart to increase its height.
Archaeological Finds
Between 1896 and 1900, the area was disturbed by flint quarrying. Archaeologist A.D. Passmore collected numerous human-made artifacts during this time, now housed in the Ashmolean Museum. Excavations in 1976 uncovered a large pit with a diameter of 1.5 meters and a depth of at least 2.4 meters, interpreted as a ritual shaft. Similar structures have been found at other prehistoric sites in England.
Investigations suggested that the castle was constructed in four phases, with the final phase dating to the Saxon period. Finds of ceramic fragments suggest that the site was abandoned in the 5th century BC, with possible later resettlement during the Roman period. Additionally, four fragments of human bones were discovered.
Historical Significance
Some historians speculate that Liddington Castle may have been the site of the legendary Battle of Mons Badonicus, where King Arthur is said to have defeated the Anglo-Saxons. However, there are no archaeological evidence to support this theory.
During World War II, the surroundings of Liddington Hill were used as a "Starfish" decoy site to divert enemy bombers away from Swindon. Remains of this usage, including a preserved command bunker, are still visible today.
Present Significance
Today, Liddington Castle is a protected monument and a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts. The elevated location offers impressive views over the North Wessex Downs and the surrounding landscape. The site is also associated with writer Richard Jefferies, who found inspiration here for his work "The Story of My Heart."
A visit to Liddington Castle allows one to delve into the rich history of the region and explore the impressive prehistoric earthworks left behind by Britain's early inhabitants.
