Maiden Castle, Dorchester, Dorset
Maiden Castle, near Dorchester in Dorset, is the UK’s largest Iron Age fort, and one of the largest ancient earth works in Europe.
History
The original hill fort dates from 600BC and covers an area equivalent to around 50 soccer pitches. The fort was built over what was once a Neolithic settlement dating from at least 4,000 years BC.
In 43 AD the fort was either abandoned by its inhabitants in response to the coming of the Roman Legions or less likely besieged and overrun by the invading Roman army.
A small Romano-British temple was built on the site during the Roman period when Dorchester was known as Durnovaria.
John Cowper Powys
An early 20th century novel by John Cowper Powys Maiden Castle set in Dorchester, is a forgotten classic, chronicling the spiritual and historical power of the ancient fortress over the lives of its characters.
Access – Getting There
The earth work (www.maidencastle.com) is 2 km south west of the city of Dorchester. It is just off the A35 from Poundbury.
The area as seen from the air in 1934
Map of Dorchester
Dorchester is 207 km southwest of London on the M3 motorway
Book a Hotel in London - from 5 stars to budget options
Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge Tours with Stonehenge Tickets from London
Westminster Abbey Tickets & Tours
Tickets For London Attractions - Tiqets.com
© BritainAllOver.com – Guide to the Best of Britain
