Stantonbury Camp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stantonbury Camp |
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The top of Stantonbury Hill
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| Location | Marksbury, Somerset, England |
| Built | Iron Age |
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Stantonbury Camp is an ancient hill fort from the Iron Age. It is located near Stanton Prior in Somerset, England. This special historical site is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Stantonbury Camp: An Ancient Hill Fort
Stantonbury Camp is a fascinating place from a long time ago. It was built during the Iron Age. This period was roughly 3,000 years ago. People used iron tools and weapons then.
What is a Hill Fort?
Hill forts are large, ancient settlements. They were built on top of hills. People often used earthworks, like big ditches and banks, to protect them. These forts were common in Britain. They appeared in the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.
Historians believe hill forts had many uses. They could have been safe places during conflicts. They might have been important trading spots too. Some were also homes for many people. They were central places for communities.
Exploring Stantonbury Camp
Stantonbury Camp sits on an isolated hill. This hill is made of a type of rock called Oolitic Limestone. The ancient Wansdyke earthwork passes nearby. The A39 road is also close to the site.
Archaeologists have found interesting items here. Several iron farming tools were discovered. These include parts of sickles or pruning hooks. An iron tip from an ard (an early type of plough) was also found. These tools are now kept at the British Museum.
Unfortunately, Stantonbury Camp is at risk. Animal burrows are causing damage to the site. Because of this, it is on the English Heritage Heritage at Risk Register. This list helps protect important historical places.
