Brewer's Castle facts for kids

Brewer's Castle is an ancient fort from the Iron Age in Somerset, England. It is located in the West Somerset area, about 2 miles (3.2 km) west of the town of Dulverton.

This old settlement is still visible today as an "earthwork." This means it's a shape made from earth, like banks and ditches, that shows where the fort once stood. It's found in Hawkridge Ridge Wood and is also very close to another similar site called Mounsey Castle.

What is a Hill Fort?

Hill forts are large, defended settlements built on hills. People lived inside these forts, and the high ground helped them see enemies coming. They were common in Britain during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. This period was roughly around 1000 BC.

Why Were Hill Forts Built?

Historians and archaeologists have different ideas about why hill forts were built. Some think they were military bases to protect against invaders. Others believe they were built because of fighting between different groups of people. This fighting might have happened as the population grew. More people meant more pressure on land and food.

Life in the Iron Age

The Iron Age was a time of big changes in Britain. People started using iron instead of bronze for tools and weapons. Iron ore was found in different places than tin and copper (used for bronze). This changed how people traded goods. It also meant that some powerful families lost their wealth. New groups of people became important.

Archaeologist Barry Cunliffe suggests that hill forts offered a safe place for communities. They could be used when there was conflict or tension. He doesn't think they were built only because of constant war. Instead, they were strongholds that could be used for defense when needed. Sometimes, these forts were attacked, but that wasn't their only purpose.