Dragon Hill, Uffington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dragon Hill |
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![]() Dragon Hill viewed from the White Horse Hill, Uffington
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 139 m (456 ft) |
Geography | |
Location | Oxfordshire, England |
OS grid | SU300868 |
Topo map | OS Landranger 174 |
Dragon Hill is a small, interesting hill in Oxfordshire, England. It sits right below the famous Uffington White Horse, a giant chalk figure carved into the hillside. This special place is known for an old legend about a brave saint and a fierce dragon!
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Discovering Dragon Hill
Dragon Hill is a natural chalk hill. It has a flat top that was shaped by people long ago. The hill is located near the villages of Uffington and Woolstone. In 1974, the area became part of Oxfordshire.
The Legend of Saint George
One of the most exciting things about Dragon Hill is its connection to a famous legend. People say that Saint George, England's patron saint, fought and defeated a dragon right here! The story tells that Saint George slew the dragon on this very hill.
A special bare patch of chalk can be seen on the hill. Legend says this is where the dragon's blood spilled. Because of the dragon's blood, no grass has ever grown on that spot since. It's a cool part of the story!
What Makes Dragon Hill Special?
Besides the legend, Dragon Hill is important for other reasons. Some historians think it might have been a special place for rituals. These rituals could have happened during the Iron Age, a very long time ago. They might have been connected to the nearby White Horse figure.
The hill is part of a group of ancient monuments. These include the Uffington White Horse and other historical sites.
Protecting This Historic Site
Dragon Hill is a very important historical place. It is looked after by the National Trust, an organization that protects special places in England. The hill is also a "Scheduled Monument." This means it is a nationally important archaeological site. Being a Scheduled Monument helps protect it from harm. This way, future generations can also enjoy and learn about Dragon Hill.