Wincobank

Wincobank is an oval-shaped hillfork perched on a sandstone hill near Sheffield with visible earthwork defenses that look out over the River Don valley. The fortification features surviving banks and ditches that mark its ancient boundaries and protective system.

This fortification was built around 500 BC by the Celtic Brigantes tribe, overturning earlier theories about its origins. Radiocarbon dating has confirmed this early timeline for the settlement.

The site reveals ancient construction techniques visible in its earthwork structures that archaeologists continue to study. These physical remains help visitors understand how people engineered their defenses thousands of years ago.

The main entrance sits on the south-east side and is accessible from the surrounding area. The surviving earthworks remain well-defined, making it possible to walk around and examine the fort's layout and defenses.

The rampart materials show signs of vitrification from exposure to extreme heat that fused the rocks together. This unusual feature suggests the fort experienced intense fire at some point in its past.

Location: South Yorkshire

Location: Sheffield

Part of: Wincobank slight univallate hillfort and World War II anti-aircraft gun and searchlight emplacement

GPS coordinates: 53.41437,-1.43305

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:08