Maiden Castle, Dorset


30th May 2017

 No good picture! Aerial views are better 😉

 This is the largest and most complex Iron Age hill fort in Britain
4000BC - evidence of occupation during the Neolithic period
Iron Age - hill fort present
Over the next 400 years the site of Maiden castle is a prominent settlement, being extended and re-fortified several times
AD 43 - evidence of Roman occupation during the conquest
During the Roman rule , the hill fort was abandoned as Romans had established in Dorchester/Durnovaria
4th century - a temple was built within the hill fort despite being abandoned

 Absolutely incredible to see, well worth a visit! It is difficult from the ground to appreciate the sheer size of Maiden castle (you would need a helicopter 😜 ) however we really enjoyed walking up and down each of "layers"/rings of the fort. There is quite a climb initially to the fort and it's worth walking along the top of the fort for nice views and also to look around the remains of the temple. It is an impressive site when you think how old it is. Lots of sheep as well!! 

 Owned by English Heritage, free entry
Designated car park
No facilities
No guidebook although audio guide online and information panels dotted around

N & K

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