Maesbury Castle, Iron Age hill fort in Croscombe, England
Maesbury Castle is a hillfort situated on the Mendip Hills at around 292 meters elevation overlooking the surrounding countryside. It features a single rampart rising to about 6 meters with an outer ditch, with the fortified area spanning approximately 2.5 hectares.
Built during the Iron Age, the fort later became a strategic boundary marker between Romano-British Celtic lands and advancing West Saxon territories in the 6th and 7th centuries. This period shaped its role as a control point in a shifting political landscape.
The name blends a Welsh word meaning field with Old English meaning fort, showing how different peoples shared and shaped the landscape. You can see this linguistic layering reflected in place names throughout the region.
The site is accessible via a footpath from the south, though visitors should expect a steep climb up through a grassy field to reach the main fortification. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time to navigate the uneven terrain.
Local tradition speaks of a lamb that appears to glow in the morning sunlight on Easter Sunday atop the ancient fortification. This tale connects the old site with seasonal celebrations woven into the landscape's folklore.
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