This is an addition to the ‘Footsteps of St Birinus’ caches, originally placed by ‘No Educashun’.
The 7th Century Birinus converted the pagan Saxons to Christianity in the Kingdom of Wessex. He died in AD 650 and it is thought that pilgrims began to visit his grave soon afterwards, to pray and seek his support for their intentions. This series of caches follows a route from Churn Hill, where Berin (Saxon name of Birinus) preached, to South Moreton, which is on the route to Dorchester, where Birinus (Latin name) established his cathedral.
This cache is on the north side of Blewburton Hill, which was the site of an Iron Age hill fort. The fort is believed to have been occupied from the 4th Century BC to the 1st Century AD. St Birinus lived in the 7th Century AD, when this hill would certainly have been prominent in the landscape. Today it still rewards those who reach the top with some fine views in all directions. Wittenham Clumps are clearly visible to the north.
Please respect the site of the fort which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.