Wind Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wind Hill |
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Wind Hill seen from Lynton
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 261 m (856 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Lynmouth, Devon, England |
Wind Hill is a special place located near Lynmouth in Devon, England. It's not just any hill; it's home to an ancient site from the Iron Age. This site is known as a "hill fort," which was like a fortified village or stronghold built on a high spot.
Wind Hill stands tall at about 261 meters (856 feet) above sea level. Its unique position, acting like a natural barrier between the steep East Lyn River valley and the sea cliffs, made it a perfect spot for people long ago to build a safe place.
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What is an Iron Age Hill Fort?
An Iron Age hill fort was a large, protected settlement built on top of a hill. People in the Iron Age (which was from about 800 BC to AD 100 in Britain) built these forts for several reasons. They were often used as:
- Safe places for communities to live
- Strongholds to protect against enemies
- Centers for trade and gatherings
How Were Hill Forts Built?
Building a hill fort was a huge job! People used simple tools to dig massive ditches and build tall banks of earth. These banks often had wooden fences or stone walls on top. The natural shape of the land, like the steep sides of Wind Hill, helped make these forts even stronger.
Wind Hill's Special Location
Wind Hill is a great example of how ancient people used the natural landscape to their advantage. It's like a natural fortress because it's:
- Surrounded by the deep valley of the East Lyn River on one side.
- Protected by cliffs on the other side, facing the sea.
This made it very hard for anyone to attack the fort. The main defenses, like the big earthworks (ditches and banks), were built on the eastern side, which was the easiest way to get to the top.
Who Lived at Wind Hill?
We don't know exactly who lived at Wind Hill, but it would have been people from the Iron Age. These communities were often farmers and craftspeople. They would have lived in roundhouses inside the fort's walls. Life was tough, but these hill forts offered a sense of safety and community.
Exploring Wind Hill Today
Today, Wind Hill is a fascinating place to visit. You can still see the remains of the huge earthworks that protected the ancient fort. Walking around the site gives you a real sense of history and lets you imagine what life was like thousands of years ago. It's also a great spot to enjoy amazing views of the surrounding countryside and the coast.
