Blacker's Hill facts for kids

Blacker's Hill is an ancient hill fort from the Iron Age. It is located near Chilcompton in Somerset, England. This important historical site is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means it's a special place that helps us understand the past.

The fort at Blacker's Hill is shaped roughly like a rectangle. It was built on a high piece of land, which helped protect it. The fort covered about 6 hectares (or 15 acres) of land.

Originally, it had two large walls, called ramparts, and two ditches around it. On the west and south sides, the fort was naturally protected by steep slopes. Some parts of these old walls are still quite tall today. However, on the north-east side, the inner wall and ditch have been destroyed over time. There are three openings in the fort's defenses. It seems only the one on the east side was part of the original design.

In 1999, scientists used special equipment to study the ground at Blacker's Hill. This survey suggested that the fort might have started with just one wall. Later, it was made stronger and bigger, becoming a more developed hill fort.

What are Hill Forts?

Hill forts are ancient settlements or strongholds. They were built on hills during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. This was roughly around 1000 BC. People built them by digging ditches and piling up earth to create large walls.

Historians and archaeologists have debated why these forts were built. Some think they were military sites. They might have been built to defend against invaders from other parts of Europe. Others believe they were built by the invaders themselves.

Why were Hill Forts Built?

Many experts think hill forts were built because of changes in society. When iron became more common, it changed how people traded goods. Iron ore was found in different places than the materials needed for bronze. This shifted power from old leaders to new groups of people.

Archaeologist Barry Cunliffe believes that a growing population also played a role. More people meant more pressure on farming and resources. This could sometimes lead to conflicts. Hill forts offered a safe place for communities during these tense times. They were not always built because of war, but they could be used for defense if fighting broke out. Some forts were attacked and destroyed, but their main purpose wasn't just for battles.