King's Castle, Wells
| King's Castle | |
|
Somerset | |
|---|---|
.png) Lidar digital terrain model of King's Castle | |
| Type: | Hill fort |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | ST56884564 |
| Location: | 51°12’30"N, 2°37’9"W |
| History | |
| Built Iron Age | |
| Information | |
King's Castle is the site of an Iron Age enclosed, fortified hilltop settlement at the south-western edge of the Mendip Hills near Wells in Somerset. Though there are many prehistoric sites in the surrounding area, it remains one of the earliest known settlements in the immediate vicinity of Wells, and may have been a precursor to the present day city.[1]
The site consists of two or three interlinked sub-enclosures, with what appears to be a field system extending to the east; an unusual layout, the site remains relatively little studied and has not been archaeologically excavated.[1][2] It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.[3]
Surrounding the hilltop is King's Castle Wood, which takes its name from the hill fort. The wood is a nature reserve in the care of Somerset Wildlife Trust.[2][4][5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Gathercole, Clare (2003). "An Archaeological Assessment of Wells". Somerset Extensive Urban Survey. Somerset County Council. pp. 3–6. Archived from the original on 29 April 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140429222843/http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/downloads/Somerset_EUS_Wells.pdf. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Pyne, William. "An Iron Age Hamlet at King's Castle". Academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/3793033/An_Iron_Age_hamlet_at_Kings_Castle. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
- ↑ National Heritage List 1008807: King's Castle enclosures, Iron Age defended settlement
- ↑ National Monuments Record: No. 196844 – Kings Castle
- ↑ "King's Castle Wood Nature Reserve". Somerset Wildlife Trust. http://www.somersetwildlife.org/kings_castle_wood.html. Retrieved 29 April 2014.