Doon Hill (East Lothian) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Doon Hill |
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An information board near the summit
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 177 m (581 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | East Lothian, Scotland |
| OS grid | NT 67888 76148 |
| Topo map | OS Explorer 351 |
Doon Hill is a small but important hill located in East Lothian, Scotland. It sits about 500 meters (0.3 miles) east of a village called Spott. The town of Dunbar is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) to its south. The very top of Doon Hill is 177 meters (581 feet) above the sea.
This hill is known for its ancient history. It holds secrets from people who lived there long ago. It was also a key location in two major battles that shaped Scottish history.
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Discovering Doon Hill's Past
Near the top of Doon Hill, archaeologists found the remains of two old wooden buildings. These buildings were first spotted in aerial photographs. Experts then dug them up between 1964 and 1966.
The Ancient Wooden Halls
At first, people thought these buildings were built one after the other. It seemed like the first one burned down, and a new one was built in its place. The newer building was thought to be built by the Anglo-Saxons around the year 640 AD. The older one was believed to be from the time of the ancient Britons.
However, a special test called radiocarbon dating changed this idea. This test helps scientists find out how old something is. It showed that the older hall was much, much older than first thought. It dates back to about 4000 BCE, which is the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age. This means people were living on Doon Hill thousands of years ago!
Doon Hill and Famous Battles
Doon Hill was a significant place during two important battles between English and Scottish armies. Both of these battles are known as the Battle of Dunbar, named after the nearby town.
The Battle of Dunbar (1296)
Fighting happened on Doon Hill during the 1296 Battle of Dunbar. This battle took place when Edward I of England, also known as "Longshanks," invaded Scotland. He wanted to punish the Scottish King, John Balliol, for not helping him in a war in France. The English army won this battle, which was a big moment in the Wars of Scottish Independence.
The Battle of Dunbar (1650)
Later, in 1650, Doon Hill was the place where the Scottish army set up camp. They were preparing to fight against Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army. This battle was part of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, a series of conflicts across England, Scotland, and Ireland. The Scottish army was led by David Leslie. Cromwell's army surprised the Scots, leading to a major defeat for Scotland.
