Eggardon Hill, Dorset | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

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Sanctuary Nov 14, 2013 08:14:16

Replying to spencer

spencer wrote:

I was exploring the highly atmospheric Powerstock Forest a couple of years back and my eyes kept being drawn to nearby Eggardon Hill, which overlooks it. Driving towards the latter afterwards along a minor road that connects the two its magnitude and the scale of the ramparts that encircle it became evermore impressive. Not having the time to explore as I would have liked due to a waiting family I took a right turn when I got to the hill down an even more minor road which gradually descended below the ramparts, which were absolutely huge. I'd love to go back one day...returning to Maiden Castle for the first time in forty years on the same trip I decided that Eggardon beat it for 'atmosphere' and earthwork height hands down. I once read that Eggardon was hypothesised to have been the site of decisive battles in Roman times and/or the 'Dark' Ages, but have not found any reference to that on t'internet. I've read the info about it on TMA already, but can anyone expand on that? Anyone else visited? It seems like a 'dark jewel' of Dorset antiquaria. See those earthworks in profile and you don't forget them.

Hi Spencer.
My only connection with Eggardon Hill was when I used to go there some 30 years ago with a group called WATSUP (The Wessex Association for the Study of Unexplained Phenomena). We used to visit a couple of times a year on 'skywatchers'. UFO's were the 'in' thing in those days. Good fun but taken very seriously at the time.
With regard to 'atmosphere', well it certainly had that which added greatly to our already heightened senses. Yep, great place.

A

Astralcat Nov 14, 2013 08:39:48

Replying to spencer

I wasn't aware of Eggardon Hill so thanks for bringing it to my attention Spencer. I'm still in the fairly early stages of investigating such sites and this sounds very interesting indeed. Hillforts hold a particular fascination for me, and I'm lucky in that I live in a region where there are so many to visit and explore.

M

moss Nov 14, 2013 09:25:09

Replying to spencer

I love hillforts, wish we could talk about them much more on TMA, not just the dimensions but the overwhelming 'largeness' of them and their history. The ones round Bath always were a great delight for walking, especially Old Sodbury can still see it on a hot summer's day. Their defensive natures so much at odds with the peacefulness of today. Eggardon looks great for walking and viewing the countryside......

T

tjj Nov 14, 2013 09:48:06

Replying to spencer

Great post, Spencer ... a breath of fresh air. Have just been looking at some images online - apparently wild orchids in early summer too. And fabulous views. Like Moss said, hillforts are peaceful and refreshing places to take yourself off to from the daily noise of traffic etc, especially in the heavily populated south of England. I live in Wiltshire, not too far away - Eggardon Hill now added my list of 'places to explore very soon'.

E

Evergreen Dazed Nov 14, 2013 11:21:31

Replying to spencer

Never been, but looks great. I do love wandering around a good hillfort. Only one i've been to in that area is Maiden Castle, and that is obviously incredible. If you're saying Eggardon beats it for atmosphere i'll have to make sure i visit next time i'm down that way.

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GLADMAN Nov 14, 2013 20:37:34

Replying to spencer

Top enclosure.... I find hill forts fascinating, particularly since there is so much more to learn about their function... e.g. it is clear from the siting of some (The Chesters near Edinburgh is a good example) that defence was not the primary consideration, but one of many.... the warlord's need for ostentatious display, perhaps some attempt to appropriate the power of the old gods by incorporating cairns and long/round barrows which would otherwise have been easy to remove to gain more space.

Eggardon is well worth its place in the paper TMA since the cluster of barrows around make it obvious this was a scared spot before the banks were even erected.

Incidentally Pilsdon Pen is another favourite in the area.