Hurst Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hurst Hill |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 317 m (1,040 ft) |
| Geography | |
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| Location | Chorley, Lancashire,  England |
| OS grid | SD630179 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 109 |
Hurst Hill is a small but interesting hill located on Anglezarke Moor in Lancashire, England. It's part of the beautiful West Pennine Moors. Even though it's not very tall, only about 317 meters (1040 feet) high, it offers amazing views, especially towards the Irish Sea.
What makes Hurst Hill special is its history. It sits between two very old sites called Round Loaf and Pikestones. These places have important remains from the Neolithic period, which was a time long, long ago when people first started farming.
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What is Hurst Hill?
Hurst Hill is a natural rise in the land, found in the West Pennine Moors. This area is known for its open moorland, hills, and reservoirs. The hill itself isn't famous for its height, but rather for its location. It's like a natural lookout point in the landscape.
Where is Hurst Hill Located?
Hurst Hill is in Lancashire, a county in the northwest of England. It's specifically on Anglezarke Moor, which is near the town of Chorley. The moor is a wild and open space, perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
How Tall is Hurst Hill?
The top of Hurst Hill reaches 317 meters (about 1040 feet) above sea level. While this isn't as high as some famous mountains, it's still tall enough to give you a great view. From the summit, you can see far across the land and even out to the Irish Sea on a clear day.
Hurst Hill and Ancient History
One of the most fascinating things about Hurst Hill is its connection to people who lived thousands of years ago. It's located right between two important ancient sites: Round Loaf and Pikestones. These sites are from the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age.
What Was the Neolithic Period?
The Neolithic period was a time in human history that began around 10,000 BC in some parts of the world. During this time, people started to change from being hunters and gatherers to farmers. They began to settle down, grow crops, and raise animals. This led to the creation of villages and more complex societies. In Britain, the Neolithic period started around 4,000 BC.
Hurst Hill as a Vantage Point
Experts believe that Hurst Hill, along with a nearby hill called Grain Pole Hill, might have been important "vantage points" for the ancient communities living in the area during the Neolithic period. A vantage point is a place that offers a good view of the surrounding land.
Why Were Vantage Points Important?
For ancient people, a good view was very useful. They might have used these spots to:
- Watch for danger: Spotting approaching animals or other groups of people from a distance.
- Observe their land: Keeping an eye on their crops or livestock.
- Communicate: Sending signals with smoke or fire to other communities.
- Perform ceremonies: Some high places were used for special rituals or gatherings.
Even though no digging or excavation work has been done on Hurst Hill itself, its position strongly suggests it played a role in the lives of these early farmers. It's a reminder that even small hills can hold big secrets from the past!
