Plainsfield Camp, Iron Age hillfort in Over Stowey, England
Plainsfield Camp is an Iron Age hillfort with a rhomboidal enclosure in Over Stowey, situated on a north-east facing slope of the Quantock Hills. The fort measures roughly 180 by 150 yards and is surrounded by a bank and ditch system that still stands today.
The site originated in the Iron Age and appears on a documented map from 1610. Later changes transformed the location into Plainsfield Park, a shift that was completed by 1838.
The site likely served to shelter livestock rather than as a military stronghold, revealing how ancient communities managed their herds. This reflects the practical concerns of agricultural societies in this region.
The site sits on a hillside and is accessible via walking paths that run through the wooded area. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the terrain can be uneven in places, and some time to explore the interior is worthwhile.
Three World War II dugouts remain visible on the east bank, a reminder of a conflict more than 2000 years later. These modern traces alongside the ancient fort show how strategically significant this hilltop remained through the centuries.
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