Bigbury Camp, Iron Age contour fort in Harbledown and Rough Common, England
Bigbury Camp is an Iron Age fort built across rolling terrain and defended by a deep ditch with a raised bank behind it. The fortification follows the natural contours of the hillside to strengthen its defensive position.
Roman legions attacked and destroyed this fortification in 54 BC, causing its residents to abandon the site and relocate. This assault marked a turning point in the region's shift away from independent Iron Age settlements.
People lived and worked here during the Iron Age, leaving behind tools and pottery that show their daily lives. As you walk through the site, you can sense how farming and craft shaped this community.
The site is open to the public and free to access, with clear paths to follow across the grounds. Visit during dry weather for easier walking, as the terrain becomes muddy after rain.
Archaeological excavations uncovered a slave chain, suggesting trade connections between Britain and continental Europe. This discovery shows the settlement was linked to wider commercial networks beyond local trade.
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