Melbury Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melbury Hill |
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View from Melbury Hill. To the right is the locator pillar of Melbury Beacon
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 263 m (863 ft) |
| Prominence | 66 m (217 ft) |
| Parent peak | Win Green |
| Listing | Tump |
| Geography | |
| Location | Dorset, England |
| Parent range | Cranborne Chase |
| OS grid | ST873197 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 183, Explorer 118N |
Melbury Hill, also known as Melbury Beacon, is a well-known hill in Dorset, southern England. It stands 263 metres (863 feet) high. This hill is part of the high chalk hills called the North Dorset Downs. It sits above the small village of Melbury Abbas.
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Discover Melbury Hill
Melbury Hill is a tall, noticeable hill. It is made of chalk, which is a soft, white rock. The hill is part of a long slope of land called an escarpment. This escarpment stretches across the county of Dorset.
Amazing Views from the Top
From the very top of Melbury Hill, also called Melbury Beacon, you can see far and wide. There are fantastic views of the countryside. You can see the green Blackmore Vale and the ancient area of Cranborne Chase. The old Saxon town of Shaftesbury is also visible. It is less than 2 miles north of the hill.
A Historic Beacon
Melbury Hill has an interesting history. In 1588, a special fire beacon was placed here. This beacon was part of a long chain of signal fires. These fires stretched all the way from London to Plymouth. They were used to warn people about the Spanish Armada. The Armada was a large fleet of ships sent by Spain to attack England.
What You Can Find on the Hill
At the very top of Melbury Hill, you will find a "trig point." This is a concrete pillar used by mapmakers to measure distances. It helps them create accurate maps. There is also a wood on the western side of the hill. This wood is owned by the National Trust. The National Trust is a charity that protects important places in England.
