Overton Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Overton Hill |
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Round tumuli on Overton Hill
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 174 m (571 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Overton Hill
Location in Wiltshire
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| Location | Wiltshire, England |
| OS grid | SU118679 |
| Topo map | OS Explorer 157 |
Overton Hill is a small but important hill in Wiltshire, England. It stands about 174 meters (571 feet) high. This hill is located at the southern edge of the North Wessex Downs. You can find it just west of the village of West Overton. It is also about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) west of the town of Marlborough. A main road, the A4, passes close to its northern side. The River Kennet flows to the south of the hill.
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Exploring Overton Hill's Ancient Past
Overton Hill is famous for its long history. People have been active here for thousands of years. This area is part of a very special place. It belongs to the Avebury section of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized globally for its historical importance.
The Ridgeway: An Ancient Pathway
Overton Hill is the starting point of a famous path called The Ridgeway. This path is now a National Trail, which is a long-distance walking route. The Ridgeway follows an extremely old trackway. People have used this path for thousands of years. It was once a major route for trade and travel.
Old Burial Mounds
You can find several round barrows on Overton Hill. These are ancient burial mounds. They are like small hills built by people long ago to bury their dead. These barrows show that people lived and honored their dead here many centuries ago. They give us clues about how ancient people lived.
The Sanctuary: A Mystery Circle
Another interesting site on Overton Hill is called The Sanctuary. This was once an Iron Age wooden circle. It was a special place where people gathered. Archaeologists have found evidence of wooden posts arranged in circles. This site tells us about the beliefs and activities of people from the Iron Age.
