Hembury Castle, hillfort in Devon, England, UK
Hembury Castle is a fortification on a hill in West Buckfastleigh containing remains from two different periods. The original Iron Age structure with concentric earth walls was later overlaid by the Normans, who built a large mound topped with a timber tower.
The site was originally built as an Iron Age hillfort around 500 BC, strategically positioned near the River Dart. After abandonment in the middle of the first century, the location was reoccupied around 1070 by the Normans, who constructed a motte that saw relatively brief use.
The name Hembury means 'high castle,' referring to its elevated position on the hill. The site displays two distinct periods of settlement, with ancient earth walls showing how people adapted their defenses to the landscape over time.
The site is easily reached from Buckfastleigh with two nearby parking areas, and the walk from the car park to the site is short and straightforward. Be prepared for muddy ground in wet weather, as the woodland setting retains moisture.
The site has never been fully excavated by archaeologists, meaning many secrets remain buried beneath the earth. This lack of complete exploration gives the place a sense of being untouched, allowing visitors to imagine ancient life with just a simple walk through the woodland.
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