Hillforts in the Midlands

From mossy mounds to towering ramparts hillforts are one of the most prominent types of prehistoric monument in Britain. Below is a selection of some of the hillforts we care for across the Midlands region. Follow the links for more detailed information from the Heritage Records Online site.

Aerial view of Mam Tor in the Peak District

Mam Tor, Peak District 

Mam Tor is the largest of a small group of Bronze Age hillforts in the Peak District. Visible signs of occupation are the so-called "hut platforms" - scoops all around the hill crest, up to 5m in diameter, cut into the slopes. Several platforms were excavated in the 1960s, and one was found to contain an internal hearth, yielding pottery and finds of the Middle and Late Bronze age together with charcoal dated to the same period by means of radiocarbon-dating.

The hillfort at Mam Tor
View from Midsummer Hill over surrounding countryside

Midsummer Hill, Malvern Hills 

The remains of a large Iron Age hillfort sits in a commanding position on top of Midsummer and Hollybush Hills. The site was excavated in the 1960s and over 483 hut platforms have since been identified within the hillfort complex.

More about Midsummer Hill
Higger Tor from near Longshaw Pond

Carl Wark, Burbage Moor, Derbyshire 

The natural rock cliffs and embankment at Carl Wark form an enclosure which has often been interpreted as an Iron Age hillfort, although the date of construction and purpose of the fortifications have yet to have been proved by archaeologists. There is evidence for later stone quarrying around the slopes of the fortified outcrop. The stone is likely to have been used for the construction of millstones and grindstones for the emerging metal industries of Sheffield.

Discover Carl Wark
View from Kinver edge, rocks in foreground

Kinver Edge, Staffordshire 

The Iron Age hillfort sits at the north-western corner, and highest point, of the Kinver Edge overlooking the striking 18th century red sandstone rock houses that also occupy the escarpment. The site’s strategic defensive position has also been exploited during World War Two by a Home guard shelter which has been built abutting part of the south western rampart of the hillfort.

More about the Kinver hillfort
Spectacular hill fort at Croft Ambrey, Herefordshire

Croft Ambrey Hillfort, Croft Castle, Herefordshire 

Excavations of the hillfort found that the site was in use from the Iron Age to Roman periods. The site was found to contain a number of closely set rectangular buildings and finds included metalwork (such as iron tools and weapons), glass objects, bone and antler artefacts, as well as rotary querns, hammer stones and Iron Age pottery.

Discover more about Croft Ambrey

National Trust Heritage Records Online 

Explore the entire Heritage Records Online website to discover more about the archaeology cared for by the National Trust

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