Fascinating Somerset Facts

Dolebury Hill Fort

13 Mar 2021

Dolebury Hill Fort

Fairies called Redshanks purportedly live on Dolebury Hill, protecting a hidden cache of treasure.

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DOLEBURY HILL FORT THE MENDIPS SOMERSET,  WITH COMMANDING VIEWS OVER THE SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE, it’s no wonder the hill called Dolebury Warren (or Camp) became a fort during the Iron Age, remaining in use until Roman times. A number of archaeological finds indicate this long period of occupation, with Palaeolithic flint work, Bronze Age pottery and Roman coins and pottery all being unearthed. In the post-medieval period, the site became a large burrow for the breeding of rabbits, the resulting meat and fur trade providing employment for a number of people. It was in this period that the name ‘Warren’ was added. Remains of the ancient fort are still visible today, with the hill becoming a haven for a large number of wildflowers and rare butterflies. If you are lucky enough to visit in spring, the woods below the hilltop come alive with swathes of bluebells.


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