Arbury Banks, Hertfordshire facts for kids
Arbury Banks is an ancient hill fort located southwest of Ashwell, Hertfordshire, England. It's a special historical site where people lived a very long time ago.
This fort was likely built during the late Bronze Age, which was around 1000 to 700 BC. That's over 2,700 years ago! Arbury Banks sits on a hill about 90 meters (or 295 feet) above sea level. It's one of several similar hill forts found along the northern Chiltern Hills. Another famous one is Wilbury Hill Camp, near Letchworth.
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What is a Hill Fort?
A hill fort is a type of ancient settlement or stronghold. It was built on top of a hill, which made it easier to defend. People in the past would dig ditches and build tall banks of earth, called ramparts, around the edge of the hill. These acted like walls to protect the people and their homes inside.
Discovering Arbury Banks
Archaeologists, who are like history detectives, have studied Arbury Banks. During excavations in the 1850s, they carefully dug up parts of the site. They found that the fort has a horseshoe shape, with its ramparts forming a protective barrier.
They also found two main entrances, one facing north-north-west and the other south-south-east. Inside the fort, there was evidence of several smaller areas or buildings. This suggests that people lived and worked within the fort's defenses.
A Possible Battle Site?
Some historians believe that Arbury Banks might have been a location for a very famous historical event: the Battle of Watling Street. This battle was fought between the ancient Romans and the Iceni tribe, led by their brave queen, Boudica. While it's not certain, it's an exciting idea that such an important battle might have happened right here!
Protecting Our History
Arbury Banks is recognized as a scheduled ancient monument. This means it's a very important historical site that is protected by law. It helps make sure that this amazing piece of history is preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Images for kids
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3D view of the digital terrain model
