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England
Beacon HillHillfort
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This site is familiar to anyone traveling between Southampton and Oxford on the A34, A great rounded hill on the W of the gap in the N Hants Downs. The "fort" is not that obvious from below but after a very stiff climb (with many pauses for breath) the banks and ditches are revealed. They are all very well preserved and of impressive dimensions and some views reminded me of Maiden Castle although smaller. It's a rather peculiar shape being like an hour glass with the top chopped off, a result of following the contours I suspect. In the NW corner (not SW as MAGIC has it) is the tomb of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, the sponsor and co-discoverer with Howard Carter of Tutankhamen. Extensive views except to the NW with Ladle Hill to the E and plenty of chalk flora and fauna. The only downside is that the roar of traffic from the A34 below is difficult to avoid. Otherwise a very worthwhile site to visit. Access Small car park at base signposted from A34. Very steep climb to top with many steps. |
Posted by jimit21st July 2008ce |
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This seems to be a hangout for the local youths, as three or four carloads passed us as we were leaving. I didn't climb the hill, but did take some nice photos of wild flowers for Mikki. This post appears as part of the weblog entry Berks/Hants border jaunt
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Posted by ocifant13th July 2003ce |
| I happened on this accidentally a week ago. I was driving on the A34/Newbury bypass and completely missed my turn and ended up at Whitchurch, stumbling across this enroute. The prominence and height of this beastie and it's proximity to the road is outstanding. |
Posted by Jane7th May 2003ce |
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My parents used to take us here when I was really young, I remember having my 6th birthday party on the top (hiding from the wind). If you look to the East/SouthEast, over the A34, you get a good view of Ladle Hill, which is a rare example of an unfinished hillfort. The incomplete sections of it's earthworks are quite visible. |
Posted by EasyTarget4th January 2005ce Edited 4th January 2005ce |
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I thought I’d dig out what information the excellent ‘Hampshire Treasures’ resource gives on Beacon Hiull and the surrounds – “Beacon Hill. Well preserved contour fort covering 12 acres. Within this area are some fifteen contemporary hut sites comprising horseshoe shape scoops and circular enclosures. scheduled ancient monument, no.7” And the surrounding area is pretty much swamped with antiquity… Round Barrow - SU458569 - 150 yds. south of Beacon Hill Camp - scheduled ancient monument, no.318 Earthworks – SU455576 - Crossing northern spur of Beacon Hill. Cross ridge dyke or 'covered way'. Visible in parts on air photographs. Bowl Barrow - also at SU455576 - North of Beacon Hill Camp. Sited in fir plantation and covered with trees - scheduled ancient monument, no.290. Iron Age Lynchets and Hollow-ways - SU456577 - Beacon Hill. Two lynchets halfway down north slope of hill with a number of later hollow-ways encroaching upon them. |
Posted by pure joy7th August 2003ce |
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HantsWeb link to Beacon HillThis appears to be the page's current location on HantsWeb (they do like moving it around.. sigh) |
Posted by EasyTarget 4th January 2005ce Edited 4th January 2005ce |
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