Hill-Forts of the Cotswolds

Hill-forts are magnificent enclosures which were built around the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age (c.700-.100BC). There were many designs that were built and positions that these structures were situated, and many interpretations as to why. There are many forts located in Gloucestershire and nearby areas, with some great earthworks still clearly visible in today’s landscape, this is why I have chosen this area to write about.

I aim to do this by giving a detailed background to these monuments, such as how they were structured, what materials were used to build them, the different defenses built to protect the sites. Whilst highlighting some of the interpretations from historians as to what they were used for. This will include hand drawn illustrations, maps and photographs taken by myself. It then gives an A-Z guide to each of the thirty four known enclosures in the Gloucestershire area, for example location, height above sea level, positioning and shape. As well as my personal interpretation of each site, and what can be seen when visiting these areas.

I hope this book will encourage others to explore and learn more about these fantastic monuments, and their remains which can be still seen standing today.

Sean Campbell is a field archaeology graduate from Bournemouth University and has a keen interest in defensive strongholds, in particular hill-forts. He has been fortunate to have been involved at excavations in the UK and Bulgaria, and enjoys leading tour guides of sites in his local area.