The second series of potentially monthly events taking place in different squares of the Dartmoor 365; the square chosen at random by pulling out a square at each event. The square pulled out for this month is Q16: Hembury Castle The event will start at around midday at the given co-ordinates for geo-chat, TB exchanging etc. People are free to come and go as they please. Lala and I will be there until around 1pm. We will be wearing our hi-vis so people can see where to aim for!
Hembury Castle is one of several Iron Age hill forts that overlooks the valleys of the Teign and Dart. It is situated a mile north-west of the village of Buckfast, and is about 178 metres above sea level on a promontory between the River Dart on the east and the Holy Brook to the south-west. The slope down to the River Dart is very steep and is covered by Hembury Woods which is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The fort coveres approximately seven acres and is surrounded by a rampart and ditch which over time have become obscured. It is one of several Iron Age forts on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, others includes Holne Chase Castle, Wooston Castle, Cranbrook Castle and Prestonbury Castle. Inside the fort, on the western side is an 11th/12th century motte with a surrounding narrow inner bailey, the ramparts of the earlier hillfort may have been used as the outer bailey of the castle. The site is now under protection as a scheduled ancient monument.
Don't forget that we are both archaeologists; if you'd like to know more about Iron Age Hillforts or Motte and Bailey Castles just ask!
The square for March which was also pulled at the L9 event (to keep the events rolling in case of issues) is E18.