Julian's Bower facts for kids

Julian's Bower, as seen looking west

Julian's Bower is a special type of maze made from paths cut into the ground. It's called a "turf maze." There used to be several of these mazes in England with this name. Today, only one Julian's Bower still exists. You can find it in a place called Alkborough in North Lincolnshire. Sometimes, people have called it by slightly different names, like "Gillian's Bore."

What is Julian's Bower?

Julian's Bower is a unique kind of maze. Instead of walls, its paths are cut into the grass or "turf." Imagine walking through a giant puzzle laid out on the ground! These mazes were once common in England. They were often used for games or special events.

Where are These Mazes Found?

The most famous Julian's Bower is in Alkborough, North Lincolnshire. It's the only one left with this exact name.

• In the 1700s, a historian named William Stukeley wrote about a "Julian Bower" turf maze. This one was in Horncastle, Lincolnshire.
• Nearby, in Louth, there was another maze called "Gelyan Bower." People mentioned it in old records from 1554.
• In Goathland, North Yorkshire, there was a maze known as "July Park" or "St Julian's."
• There's also a farm called Julian Bower near Whinfell Forest. It was built for a forest keeper.

Mazes Across Europe

Some English turf mazes look very similar to labyrinths found in Scandinavia. These northern mazes usually have their paths marked with stones. For example, in Norway, there's a stone labyrinth called "Den Julianske Borg." This name means "Julian's Castle."

What Does the Name Mean?

The name "Julian's Bower" has an interesting history. It is thought to come from Julus, who was the son of a famous hero named Aeneas from Troy. The word "bower" or "burgh" in the name means "a fortified place" or "castle."

Many mazes in Great Britain were called "Troy," "Troy Town," or "The Walls of Troy." Similar names, like "Trojaburg," were used in Scandinavia. This is because of an old legend. The legend says the walls of the city of Troy were so complex. Any enemy who entered them would get lost and not be able to find their way out.

Amazing Views from Julian's Bower

If you visit the Julian's Bower in Alkborough on a clear day, you can see some incredible sights far away. You might spot:

• The Emley Moor transmitting station TV tower, which is about 40 miles away.
• The very top of York Minster, a famous cathedral.
• The Kilburn White Horse, a huge horse shape carved into a hillside, about 45 miles away.