Oldberry Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oldberry Castle |
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Plan of the site
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| Location | Dulverton, Somerset, England |
| Built | Iron Age |
| Official name: Oldbury (or Oldberry) Castle | |
| Reference no. | 33542 |
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Oldberry Castle (sometimes called Oldbury Castle) is an ancient hill fort from the Iron Age. It's located in Somerset, England, near the town of Dulverton. This historic site is officially protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Oldberry Castle is about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) north-west of Dulverton. It sits close to the border with Devon. The site offers great views over the town and the old crossing point of the River Barle.
Contents
What is a Hill Fort?
Building Ancient Forts
During the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, people in Britain started building hill forts. This was roughly around 1000 BC. These forts were often large settlements or defensive areas. They were usually built on top of hills.
Why People Built Them
Historians and archaeologists have different ideas about why hill forts were built. Some believe they were military sites. They might have been built to protect against invaders from Europe. Others think they were a reaction to social tensions.
Many experts now believe that hill forts served several purposes. They could have been safe places for communities. They offered protection when there was conflict. They also acted as important centers for trade and gatherings.
Life in the Iron Age
The Iron Age saw big changes in Britain. People started using iron instead of bronze. Iron ore was found in different places than tin and copper. This changed how people traded goods. It also shifted who held power in society.
Archaeologist Barry Cunliffe suggests that more people meant more stress. Hill forts offered a way for communities to defend themselves. They were not always built because of war. But they were useful strongholds when tensions arose.
Oldberry Castle's Features
Shape and Size
Oldberry Castle has an irregular oval shape. It measures about 720 feet (220 meters) long. It is also about 300 feet (90 meters) wide. This makes it a significant size for a hill fort.
Defenses of the Fort
The fort was protected by a large bank. This bank was about 10 feet (3 meters) wide. It stood about 6 feet (1.8 meters) high. Outside the bank, there was a wide ditch. This ditch measured about 18 feet (5.5 meters) across. These features made Oldberry Castle a strong and secure place.
