Craig Phadrig facts for kids
The site of the fort on Craig Phadrig
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 Craig Phadrig
Location in Inverness area
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| Coordinates | 57°28′37″N 4°16′08″W / 57.477°N 4.269°W |
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| Type | Hill fort |
| Length | 75 metres (246 ft) |
| Width | 25 metres (82 ft) |
| Height | 172 metres (564 ft) AOD |
| History | |
| Material | Stone, earth |
| Periods | Iron Age, Pictish |
Craig Phadrig is a beautiful forested hill in Inverness, Scotland. It's famous for an ancient hill fort at its very top. Many historians believe this fort was once the home of a powerful Pictish king named Bridei mac Maelchon. He ruled the Picts from about 550 to 584 AD.
The hill stands tall at 172 meters (about 564 feet) above the sea. From its summit, you can see amazing views of the Beauly Firth and the mouth of the River Ness. Today, Forestry and Land Scotland takes care of Craig Phadrig, making sure its history and nature are protected.
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What is the Craig Phadrig Fort?
The top of Craig Phadrig hill holds the remains of a special kind of fort called a vitrified fort. This means parts of its stone walls were heated so much by fire that they melted and turned into a glass-like material! It's a really cool and mysterious effect.
How Big Was the Fort?
The fort had an inner wall that created a space about 75 meters (246 feet) long and 23 meters (75 feet) wide. This wall still stands about 1.2 meters (4 feet) high in some places. There was also an outer wall, and even a third wall or extra defense on the eastern side.
When Was the Fort Built and Used?
Scientists used a method called radiocarbon dating in the 1970s to find out how old the fort is. They discovered that the inner wall was built around the 4th century AD. Later digs found signs that the Picts lived here in the 7th century. They found tools for working with metal and even pottery from France! This shows that the Picts living here were connected to other parts of the world. The fort is now a protected historical site called a scheduled monument.
King Bridei and Saint Columba: A Famous Meeting?
Craig Phadrig is often thought to be the place where Saint Columba, a very important Irish monk, visited the Pictish king Bridei. This meeting supposedly happened around the year 565 AD.
What Happened at the Meeting?
The story of their meeting is written in a book called Life of Columba by Adomnán. It describes several times when Saint Columba and King Bridei met. These stories are important for understanding the history of Scotland and the spread of Christianity.
Is Craig Phadrig Definitely the Spot?
While many people believe Craig Phadrig was the meeting place, not everyone agrees. Other places like Urquhart Castle and Inverness Castle have also been suggested as possible sites for this famous historical encounter. It's a mystery that makes the history of Craig Phadrig even more exciting!
