Sat Mar 25 11:39:18 2006

You are now at the eastern entrance to the hillfort. It was built by the Celts in the 6th century BC as a refuge against warring tribes. At times of attack, people living nearby would bring their animals and shelter in wooden huts within this 11 acre enclosure.

A continuous wooden fence ran along the inner bank to protect defenders as they hurled stones and spears at their attackers. The outer banks were reinforced by huge sarsen stones. Today, these structures have collapsed but the scattered stones can still be seen.

Attackers, arriving at the fort breathless after the steep climb, would be confronted by the formidable sight of two massive earthern banks and ditches, much steeper than they are today. They would aim to attack the wooden gateway entrances as these were the weakest points and were usually surmounted by look-out towsers. Just behind you, to the left, are the remains of a semi-circular earthwork which strengthened the defences of this entrance.

The fort provided a natural look-out over the plain. Ancient trackways also ran close by, linking Barbury with other hillforts built along the chalk ridges. On a clear day, Liddington Camp and Uffington Castle can be seen in the distance over your right shoulder.

Over time, hillforts became more than just refuges but also focal points for families and tribes living in villages or isolated huts nearby.

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