Trendle Ring facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trendle Ring |
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Plan of earthworks at Trendle Ring
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| Location | Bicknoller, Somerset, England |
| Area | 0.8 hectares (2.0 acres) |
| Built | Iron Age |
| Reference no. | 189562 |
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Trendle Ring (also known as Trundle Ring) is a very old earthwork found on the Quantock Hills near Bicknoller in Somerset, England. It's like a big, ancient circle built into the ground! This special place was made a very long time ago, during the Iron Age. Today, it's a protected historical site, which means it's important to keep it safe for everyone to learn about.
The word trendle actually means circle. So, "Trendle Ring" basically means "Circle Ring." This is a bit funny because it uses two words that mean the same thing!
What is an Earthwork?
An earthwork is a large structure made by shaping the natural land. People in ancient times used earth, stones, and other materials to build them. These structures could be for defense, homes, or even special ceremonies. Trendle Ring is an example of an earthwork that was likely used as a fort.
How Big is Trendle Ring?
The site covers about 0.8 hectares (2.0 acres) of land. That's roughly the size of one and a half football fields! It is surrounded by a single rampart and a ditch. A rampart is like a big wall of earth, and a ditch is a trench dug around it. These features helped protect the people inside.
The main entrance to Trendle Ring is on the east side, which is the uphill side. The hillside around it is quite steep. There are also two flatter areas inside the ring. These might have been platforms where buildings or activities took place. The ring sits on the slope of a hill that rises 130 meters (about 426 feet) above it.
Why is Trendle Ring Important?
Trendle Ring is a very important historical site. It is officially a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means the government has recognized its historical value and protects it. It's against the law to damage or change a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
In 2013, Trendle Ring was added to the Heritage at Risk Register. This list includes historical sites that are in danger of being damaged. For Trendle Ring, the main threat is plant growth. Plants like trees and bushes can grow on the earthworks and damage them over time. This means the site needs special care to keep it safe for the future.
