Fascinating Somerset Facts

Did you know there is a Hill just outside Bath, Somerset that is linked to Saxon Battles and the Iron Age and also featured in a very famous music artist song in the mid 70's. 

More commonly known as Solsbury Hill, its a good introduction to Bath in Somerset and encompasses an Iron Age history lesson along with stunning views — and a slice of English musical history. Situated a few miles from Bath at Batheaston, an Iron Age hill fort occupied this 191-metre hill between 300 BC and
100 BC.

After this period, it appears some of the huts were burnt down and the site was abandoned, never to be occupied again. The fort was possibly forsaken during the Battle of Badon, fought between the Britons and the Saxons.

The hill also has a link to modern music culture. The song ‘Solsbury Hill’ (1977), by English musician Peter Gabriel, records a spiritual experience by the artist on top of the hill after his departure from the rock band Genesis.

A track completely circles the hill and on a overcast day when the wind howls across the tops, the sound speaks of the souls who lived here over 2000 years ago, along with a sense of loss, inspiring a modern-day hit single.


For more on Somerset's incredible history and heritage go to our interactive E Book.