Casterley Camp facts for kids
Casterley Camp
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 Location in Wiltshire
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| Location | Wiltshire |
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| Coordinates | 51°16′50″N 1°50′11″W / 51.2805°N 1.8365°W |
| History | |
| Periods | Iron Age |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | yes |
Casterley Camp is an ancient site in Wiltshire, England. It is a type of old fort called a hillfort from the Iron Age. People built it a very long time ago, possibly to protect themselves or their animals. It is located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of a village called Upavon.
This site includes a large area from the Iron Age and Romano-British times. It might have been an enclosure, which is like a fenced-off area, but it was probably not used for defense. It was also never fully finished. Archaeologists did some digging here in the 1800s to learn more about it.
What is Casterley Camp?
Casterley Camp has three main enclosed areas that seem to be connected. Experts think these enclosures might have been used for controlling farm animals or for religious ceremonies.
There is also an old trackway on the west side of the site. This trackway dates back to the Iron Age and Romano-British period. You can still see traces of earth banks on both sides of it.
Protecting This Ancient Site
Casterley Camp is a "scheduled monument." This means it is an important historical site protected by law. It is against the law to damage it.
You can visit parts of the site using public footpaths and bridleways. These paths are located to the north and west of the camp.
Nearby Areas
Since 1898, the land just west and south of Casterley Camp has been part of the Salisbury Plain firing ranges. This area is used by the military for training.
Another smaller Iron Age hillfort, called Chisenbury Camp, is located across the River Avon valley. It is about 2.5 miles (4 km) to the east of Casterley Camp.
Images for kids
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3D view of the digital terrain model
