Clearbury Ring

Heritage Site in Wiltshire

England

Clearbury Ring

Field between Nunton and the A338 Credit: David Martin

Clearbury Ring is an ancient hillfort located near the village of Downton in Wiltshire, England. This heritage site is situated on a chalk ridge, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It covers an area of approximately 2.7 hectares and is believed to have been constructed during the Iron Age, dating back to around 500 BC.

The hillfort is circular in shape and is surrounded by a series of earthwork ramparts and ditches, which were likely built as a defensive measure. The innermost rampart is the most substantial, with a height of around 5 meters in some areas. Excavations of the site have revealed evidence of occupation, including traces of roundhouses and storage pits.

Clearbury Ring is thought to have served as a settlement for a small farming community during the Iron Age. The location of the hillfort, on a prominent hilltop, would have provided its inhabitants with strategic advantages, such as being able to monitor the surrounding landscape for potential threats.

Today, Clearbury Ring is a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring its archaeological significance and enjoying the stunning views from its elevated position. The site is managed by English Heritage, who have implemented measures to preserve and protect the hillfort, ensuring its historical importance is maintained for future generations.

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Clearbury Ring Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.019909/-1.7840858 or Grid Reference SU1524. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Field between Nunton and the A338

David Martin

St Andrew's Church, Nunton

David Martin

Nunton House

David Martin

Field beside the church at Nunton

David Martin

Roadside verge and hedge near Charlton

David Martin

Leafy lane south of Bodenham

David Martin

St Andrew's Church - Nunton St Andrew, Wiltshire

Here in the Wiltshire village of Nunton stands the Church of St Andrew, in the parish of Odstock with Nunton and Bodenham St Mary. It is of 12th and 13th century foundation, having a south-west tower of 1854 and a vestry of 1933. It has the original Victorian pews and memorials to the Batt family. The south-west tower dates from the 1854 - 1855 rebuilding of the church by architect T H (Thomas Henry) Wyatt (born County Roscommon 9 May 1807), who was responsible for a number of church rebuildings and restorations in this part of Wiltshire. The church was Grade II* listed by the then English Heritage, now retitled Historic England, on 23rd March 1960. In the churchyard is the Gypsy's Grave. Joshus (aka (also known as) Josiah) Scamp was hanged in Salisbury on the 1st April 1801. Our late great uncle, tramp writer Jim Phelan, makes reference to the case in some of his books. Time photo taken not available. Source: British Listed Buildings. SU1526 : St. Andrew's church, Nunton SU1526 : St Andrew, Nunton: early May 2013 SU1526 : St Andrew's Church, Nunton

Martin Richard Phelan