Dinghurst fort facts for kids

Dinghurst Fort is an ancient hillfort from the Iron Age in Somerset, England. It's located south of a village called Churchill. This fort was built on a hill, making it a strong and safe place for people to live long ago.

A 'univallate' hillfort means it has one main defensive wall or bank. At Dinghurst Fort, this wall is like a big slope or 'scarp' that goes around the camp. This scarp is about 6.5 feet (2 meters) high on the east side and 9.8 feet (3 meters) high on the west. The fort also has a ditch, called a 'fosse', around it for extra protection. Archaeologists have found interesting items inside the fort, like bones, rings, and weapons.

What is a Hillfort?

A hillfort is a type of ancient settlement built on a hill. People in the Iron Age (which was from about 800 BC to AD 100 in Britain) often built these forts. They chose hills because the natural height made them easier to defend. Hillforts were not just military bases; they were also homes for communities.

Why Build on a Hill?

Building on a hill offered many advantages. From a high point, people could see enemies approaching from far away. The steep slopes of the hill also made it harder for attackers to climb up. This natural defense was then made even stronger with walls and ditches.

Life in an Iron Age Hillfort

Life inside a hillfort like Dinghurst Fort was busy and community-focused. People lived in roundhouses, which were circular homes made of wood and thatch. They farmed the land around the fort, growing crops and raising animals.

What Did People Do?

Daily life involved farming, making tools, and crafting items. People would have worked together to build and maintain the fort's defenses. They also traded goods with other communities. The items found at Dinghurst Fort, like bones and rings, tell us about their daily activities and what they valued.

Food and Tools

The bones found at Dinghurst Fort show what animals they ate, like cattle or sheep. The weapons suggest they hunted or needed to defend themselves. Rings could have been used as jewelry or even as a form of early money. These finds help us imagine what life was like thousands of years ago.

Dinghurst Fort Today

Today, Dinghurst Fort is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means it's a very important historical site that is protected by law. It helps us learn about the people who lived in Britain during the Iron Age.

Protecting Ancient Sites

Protecting sites like Dinghurst Fort is important for several reasons. It preserves history for future generations to study and enjoy. It also helps archaeologists understand more about how people lived, what they believed, and how their societies were organized.