Alfred's Castle

Heritage Site in Berkshire

England

Alfred's Castle

Honeybunch Corner
Honeybunch Corner Credit: Matthew Chadwick

Alfred's Castle, located in Berkshire, England, is a historic heritage site that holds great significance in the country's history. The castle is believed to have been built during the late Iron Age, around 700 BC. It is named after King Alfred the Great, who is said to have used the site as a stronghold during the 9th century.

Situated atop a hill, Alfred's Castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The castle itself consists of an impressive earthwork rampart, which encloses an area of approximately 2.5 acres. The rampart is made up of a series of ditches and banks, forming a defensive structure. The site also features a central mound, which is believed to have been used as a platform for a wooden lookout tower or a beacon.

Archaeological excavations at Alfred's Castle have revealed traces of Iron Age pottery and other artifacts, providing valuable insights into the lives of the people who once inhabited the area. The site is also associated with the legendary figure of King Arthur, as it is believed to be one of the possible locations of his Camelot.

Today, Alfred's Castle is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and visitors who appreciate the beauty of the Berkshire countryside. It offers opportunities for walking and exploring the ancient earthworks, while enjoying the stunning views. The site is managed by a local heritage organization, which ensures its preservation and provides information to visitors about its historical significance. Alfred's Castle stands as a testament to the rich history of the region and offers a glimpse into the ancient past of England.

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Alfred's Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.54/-1.603 or Grid Reference SU2782. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Honeybunch Corner
Honeybunch Corner
Avenue to Ashdown House
Avenue to Ashdown House
Ashdown House
Ashdown House
Ashdown House A view of the north face of Ashdown House.
Ashdown House
A view of the north face of Ashdown House.
Fields West of Middle Wood A view of fields to the west of Middle Wood, part of Ashdown House's grounds in Lambourn.
Fields West of Middle Wood
A view of fields to the west of Middle Wood, part of Ashdown House's grounds in Lambourn.
Ashdown House, Lambourn Ashdown House is a 17th century hunting lodge now owned by the National Trust. It is set in beautiful parkland and is well worth a visit. For a closer view see <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1875004" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1875004">Link</a>
Ashdown House, Lambourn
Ashdown House is a 17th century hunting lodge now owned by the National Trust. It is set in beautiful parkland and is well worth a visit. For a closer view see Link
Sarsen Stones in the Afternoon A late light shot of some of the Sarsen stones, or Grey Wethers as they're sometimes called, near Ashdown House on the Berkshire Downs.
Sarsens are the broken up remnants of a post glacial era silica sandstone layer which formed above the chalk. More info on Sarsen on <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsen" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsen">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
The undulation in the field surface is marked on the map as Park Pale in antique script, so is presumably of ancient origin. It looks to be part of a roughly square enclosure around what is now Upper Wood.
Scanned from a print.
Sarsen Stones in the Afternoon
A late light shot of some of the Sarsen stones, or Grey Wethers as they're sometimes called, near Ashdown House on the Berkshire Downs. Sarsens are the broken up remnants of a post glacial era silica sandstone layer which formed above the chalk. More info on Sarsen on LinkExternal link The undulation in the field surface is marked on the map as Park Pale in antique script, so is presumably of ancient origin. It looks to be part of a roughly square enclosure around what is now Upper Wood. Scanned from a print.
Paddocks at Ashdown Farm About 400 metres south of Ashdown House which, at the time of my visit to the area, was undergoing major roof repairs and was swathed in plastic sheeting.
Paddocks at Ashdown Farm
About 400 metres south of Ashdown House which, at the time of my visit to the area, was undergoing major roof repairs and was swathed in plastic sheeting.
The B4000 heads north Making for the pass where it crosses the Ridgeway National Trail, by way of the quaintly named Honeybunch Corner!
The B4000 heads north
Making for the pass where it crosses the Ridgeway National Trail, by way of the quaintly named Honeybunch Corner!
B4000 crosses the border The border between Berkshire (behind) and Oxfordshire is delineated by a bridleway which can be seen to the right of shot. This part of the downs is called Lambourn Corner and sees the conjunction of road, bridleway and by-way.
B4000 crosses the border
The border between Berkshire (behind) and Oxfordshire is delineated by a bridleway which can be seen to the right of shot. This part of the downs is called Lambourn Corner and sees the conjunction of road, bridleway and by-way.
B4000 passes pumping station What type of pumping station LPG, sewage? BP McKeefry has a fleet of 200 lorries transporting bulk and the one in the picture looks like a liquid waste carrier. So slurry might be the load??
B4000 passes pumping station
What type of pumping station LPG, sewage? BP McKeefry has a fleet of 200 lorries transporting bulk and the one in the picture looks like a liquid waste carrier. So slurry might be the load??
B4000 skirts Weathercock Hill The road is some 50 metres below the 219 m. summit of the hill, which is on the right, and this bend loops around its shoulder.
B4000 skirts Weathercock Hill
The road is some 50 metres below the 219 m. summit of the hill, which is on the right, and this bend loops around its shoulder.
B4000 passes entrance to Ashdown House
B4000 passes entrance to Ashdown House
Kingstone Down from the B4000 The down ascends to 227 metres at Crowberry Tump out of the picture but we can see the wood clinging to the side of the hill. In Southern England this is often called a hanger.
Kingstone Down from the B4000
The down ascends to 227 metres at Crowberry Tump out of the picture but we can see the wood clinging to the side of the hill. In Southern England this is often called a hanger.
B4000 east of Hailey Wood
B4000 east of Hailey Wood
B4000 after Honeybunch Corner
B4000 after Honeybunch Corner
B4000 intersection with The Ridgeway
B4000 intersection with The Ridgeway
Silage field southwest of Starveall farm Grass can be collected and stored for animal fodder. Traditionally it was cut and left to dry in the sun until it formed hay, which could then be formed into ricks or bales. This chancy process was very weather dependant. Modern, mechanised farming practice favours collecting the grass in its green state for silage or semi-wilted for haylage. Storage involves additives and exclusion of oxygen. Link to<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/54631">SW9557 : View over St Dennis Village</a> for machinery in use.
Silage field southwest of Starveall farm
Grass can be collected and stored for animal fodder. Traditionally it was cut and left to dry in the sun until it formed hay, which could then be formed into ricks or bales. This chancy process was very weather dependant. Modern, mechanised farming practice favours collecting the grass in its green state for silage or semi-wilted for haylage. Storage involves additives and exclusion of oxygen. Link toSW9557 : View over St Dennis Village for machinery in use.
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Alfred's Castle is located at Grid Ref: SU2782 (Lat: 51.54, Lng: -1.603)

What 3 Words

///remarked.asteroid.obscuring. Near Bishopstone, Wiltshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.54,-1.603
Barrier: stile
Source: GPS
Lat/Long: 51.542478/-1.6013168
Barrier: stile
Source: GPS
Lat/Long: 51.5383509/-1.5999864
Barrier: stile
Dog Gate: yes
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 51.5391379/-1.5989986
Bench
tree stump seats
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 51.5398567/-1.599223
Barrier: kissing_gate
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 51.5377236/-1.6002285
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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