Stapeley Hill facts for kids
Stapeley Hill is a unique, saddle-shaped hill in the southwest of Shropshire, England. It's close to the village of Priestweston and not far from another well-known place called Corndon Hill. Stapeley Hill is considered a very important and ancient site.
This hill reaches a height of about 403 meters (1,322 feet) above sea level. It is located within the area known as the civil parish of Chirbury with Brompton.
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Ancient History and Stones
Stapeley Hill is home to several fascinating ancient structures. These include stone circles and standing stones that tell us about people who lived here thousands of years ago.
Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle
One of the most famous sites on the hill is Mitchell's Fold. This is an ancient stone circle, a ring of large stones that were put in place a very long time ago. Stone circles like Mitchell's Fold were often used for special ceremonies or gatherings by people in the Bronze Age. You can find more information about it here.
The Cow Stone and Other Standing Stones
As you follow the path from Mitchell's Fold across Stapeley Common, you'll find the Cow Stone. This is a single, tall standing stone, also known as a menhir. Standing stones were often used as markers or had religious meaning in ancient times. You can learn more about the Cow Stone here.
Stapeley Hill Ring Cairn
Another interesting feature is the Stapeley Hill Ring Cairn. A cairn is a pile of stones, often built as a monument or a burial place. This ring cairn is another sign of the ancient people who lived and left their mark on this landscape. More details are available here and here.
Bronze Age Burial Mounds
Near the very top of Stapeley Hill, there are two Bronze Age cairns. These are round piles of stones that were likely used as burial mounds during the Bronze Age, which was a period from about 3,300 BC to 1,200 BC. Finding such round cairns on mountain tops is quite common in Wales and nearby areas, showing how people honored their dead in ancient times.
Notable People Connected to Stapeley Hill
John Doogan, Victoria Cross Recipient
A famous person who lived and farmed on Stapeley Hill was John Doogan. He was a brave soldier who received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest military award for bravery in the United Kingdom. John Doogan lived and worked on a farm here between the years 1926 and 1937.
