Castle Folds Romano-British defended stone hut circle settlement and medieval shieling

Castle Folds is a Romano-British settlement with stone hut circles and thick defensive walls built on a limestone pavement ridge. The site contains approximately twelve individual huts arranged within an enclosed area protected by substantial stone fortifications.

The settlement was built during the Romano-British period as a fortified dwelling place and later reused during the medieval period by shepherds for seasonal occupation. It received protected monument status in 1938 as part of England's historical heritage.

The settlement demonstrates how Romano-British communities constructed fortified living spaces using orthostats and rubble material for protection against invasions.

The site sits on exposed high ground and is accessible year-round, though it offers little shelter from wind and weather. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the terrain is uneven with rocky outcrops throughout the settlement area.

A medieval shepherd's shelter sits near the southern wall, built centuries after the original Romano-British settlement was abandoned. This small structure reveals how the ancient site continued to serve practical purposes for later occupants.

Location: Asby

GPS coordinates: 54.47827,-2.54167

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:23