Yes, historically from the 18thC; burial place of an ancientt British or Roman King, temple to Mercury, a mound for assemblies and law making and a medieval motte!!
Interesting arch. evidence from medieval period also shows that the terraces were revetted by posts (Atkinson 1968). Also a lot of roman material around the base might point to the fact that it was seen as a sacred site then as well, and I think with the evidence from Roman/native Bath this is probably so. This is taken from BA mag May 2003, David Field. He reckons that the spiral nature of the footpath was probably more to do with its construction, and there is an interesting photo of the 1960's excavation at the summit, showing first of all, the sad destruction by archaelogy of the top, but also the stones and chalk there. Apparently, Atkinson not only opened the top again, but dug down the side as well, and also of course through the 1849 tunnel and across the ditch.
Moss, presently reading through 5 years of BA magazines....
