}
Iron Age Hillforts
Several prehistoric defended settlements known as hillforts are still visible along the Avon Gorge and also at Blaise Castle.
These ancient monuments, built during the Iron Age (800 BC-AD 42), consist of enclosures surrounded by earthen banks and ditches. Although this type of site was once thought to be purely for defensive purposes, evidence now shows they had a variety of uses and may also have marked tribal boundaries.
Bristol was part of the territory of the Dubonni tribe when these hillforts were constructed, but it is impossible to know if they were responsible for building them. Whoever built them was clearly taking advantage of the viewpoints and easily defended position that both the higher land on the edge of the gorge and the river provided. Whatever the purpose their construction represented a huge investment of time and effort for the communities that built them.
One of these sites, Clifton Down Camp, dominated the east side of the gorge. It was a visible symbol of power and strategically placed to look out across the landscape as well having the convenience of being near to the river for trade or travel. At least three ramparts and ditches surrounded its enclosure, creating a protective barrier that included the cliff edge. This impressive set of defences was accessed by two entranceways, whilst a footway led down to the river. Despite the passage of time the remains of its ramparts are still visible today.
These ancient monuments, built during the Iron Age (800 BC-AD 42), consist of enclosures surrounded by earthen banks and ditches. Although this type of site was once thought to be purely for defensive purposes, evidence now shows they had a variety of uses and may also have marked tribal boundaries.
Bristol was part of the territory of the Dubonni tribe when these hillforts were constructed, but it is impossible to know if they were responsible for building them. Whoever built them was clearly taking advantage of the viewpoints and easily defended position that both the higher land on the edge of the gorge and the river provided. Whatever the purpose their construction represented a huge investment of time and effort for the communities that built them.
One of these sites, Clifton Down Camp, dominated the east side of the gorge. It was a visible symbol of power and strategically placed to look out across the landscape as well having the convenience of being near to the river for trade or travel. At least three ramparts and ditches surrounded its enclosure, creating a protective barrier that included the cliff edge. This impressive set of defences was accessed by two entranceways, whilst a footway led down to the river. Despite the passage of time the remains of its ramparts are still visible today.