Name: Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications
Rating: 5.0

Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications

Forcett, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 7RU, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications an excavated section, part cut into rock, of the ramparts of the huge Iron Age trading and power-centre of the Brigantes, the most important tribe in pre- Roman northern Britain. Some 4 miles long, the defences enclosed an area of 766 acres. Following Roman conquest, the Brigantian centre moved to Aldborough Roman Site.

The features now visible at Stanwick are the excavated remains of only a small part of an Iron Age rampart and ditch that encloses an area of 310 hectares (766 acres) and is nearly 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) long.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications: The features now visible at Stanwick are the excavated remains of only a small part of an Iron Age rampart and ditch that encloses an area of 310 hectares (766 acres) and is nearly 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) long.
Excavations were conducted by the celebrated archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler in the 1950s and the remains were left uncovered and partly reconstructed to show their original appearance. From these excavations Wheeler was able to date the rampart to the 1st century AD.
The ditch was cut into the bedrock and the ramparts were reinforced with a retaining stone wall. It is thought that this wall ran around the full circuit of the outer rampart. It would have been a most impressive sight, and its construction would have required an enormous workforce.
The Brigantes: The ability to command such a force lay with the powerful local ruling class of the Brigantes who controlled much of northern Britain when the Romans arrived in AD 43. In exchange for their independence their queen, Cartimandua, agreed to cooperate with the Romans. The treaties were not accepted by the whole tribe, however, and a power struggle between the different factions followed.
The Brigantes’ occupation of Stanwick was concentrated on the area known as the Tofts, to the south of the church of St John the Baptist. Ramparts were built around the original settlement. Excavation here has revealed timber roundhouses and other structures dating from the middle of the 1st century AD.
Pottery and other finds show that during the reign of Cartimandua, the Brigantes at Stanwick enjoyed access to luxury goods imported from other areas of the Roman Empire. Excavated items include amphora jars for storing wine, ceramics from southern France and the Rhineland and German and Italian glass.
As the site developed rapidly into an important trading post and a major centre of Brigantian power, the ramparts were extended. Although Stanwick flourished for several decades during the 1st century, it declined in importance after AD 70 when Roman power and influence expanded northwards.
The present form of the earthworks owes much to landscaping carried out in the 18th century by the owners of Stanwick Hall and Forcett Hall.

Facilities

Parking: There is no formal parking, though roadside parking is possible - please take care.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome, restricted areas only.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Forcett, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 7RU, UK

Post Code: DL11 7RU

Council: North Yorkshire

County: North Yorkshire

Road Access: Located on a minor road off B6274, at Forcett Village.
Bus Access: Dales & District 139 (operated by The Little Red Bus on Sun & Bank Hols)
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is no formal parking, though roadside parking is possible - please take care.