Iron Age Old Sarum Hillfort, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Photograph taken 2003 © Peter Dunn. Source Historic England Archive Photo Library ref: J030093

An aerial view recontruction drawing of Old Sarum during the Iron Age, in c200 BC. Old Sarum was an Iron Age Hillfort. Hillforts were used as administrative centres, cattlepounds and markets, but also places of safety in which whole communities could take shelter during times of threat. The site was then used by the Romans, who called it Sorviodunum. It was then used by the Anglo Saxons and Normans. The Normans built both a castle and cathedral here in the 11th century. This site is now in the care of English Heritage (2011). Read detailed archaeological description.

Location

Wiltshire Salisbury

Period

Prehistoric (to AD42)

Themes

This is a reconstruction drawing of what Old Oswestry Hillfort might have looked like. The hillfort has ramparts made of five earthen banks and ditches. There are two entrances, one on the east and one on the west. The inner two banks and ditches are the earliest and probably dating to around the sixth century BC. The visible earthworks represent several phases of construction. Each phase increased the defensive capabilities and status of the site. Excavations during the 1940s revealed that the site was in use from the Late Bronze Age through to the end of the Iron Age. The earliest occupation of the site being a Late Bronze Age settlement of round huts. A Roman phase at the site is indicated by finds of pottery and tile, but exactly where their activity was concentrated is uncertain. This site is now in the care of English Heritage (20100. Read detailed archaeological description.

Iron Age Old Sarum Hillfort, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Location

Period

Themes

Tags