Taps Combe Camp facts for kids

Taps Combe Camp, also known as Chelvey Batch Settlement, is an ancient site in North Somerset, England. It's a type of old fortress called a hill fort that was built during the Iron Age.

This historic spot is found about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) east of the village of Brockley. The fort itself is shaped a bit like the letter "D". It measures about 50 metres (160 feet) across in both directions.

Taps Combe Camp: An Ancient Hill Fort

Taps Combe Camp is a special place because it's a "Scheduled Ancient Monument." This means it's protected by law due to its historical importance. It helps us learn about how people lived thousands of years ago.

What is a Hill Fort?

Hill forts are large, strong settlements built on top of hills. They were common in Britain during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. This was around the start of the first millennium BC, which is over 3,000 years ago!

People built these forts for different reasons. Some experts think they were used for defense, like a safe place during conflicts. Others believe they were important centers for communities, where people lived, traded, and gathered.

Life in the Iron Age

The Iron Age was a time when people started using iron to make tools and weapons. Before this, they mostly used bronze. Iron was found in different places than the metals needed for bronze. This change meant that trade routes shifted.

As trade changed, so did society. New groups of people gained power and influence. The population also grew during this time. More people meant more pressure on farming and resources.

Historians like Barry Cunliffe suggest that hill forts offered safety when these pressures led to disagreements. They weren't necessarily built because there was constant war. Instead, they were strongholds that could be used if tensions turned into fighting. Some forts were indeed attacked, but their main purpose was often to provide a secure place for the community.