Berrow Hill Camp

Heritage Site in Worcestershire Malvern Hills

England

Berrow Hill Camp

Dinosaur at Martley A rusty dinosaur model opposite the Chantry school in Martley, taken at the Chantry Orchard near the Martley circular walk (note: the path that is shown in the field is not the circular walk). — Dinosaur at Martley Credit: Fabian Musto

Berrow Hill Camp, located in Worcestershire, is a significant heritage site that holds historical and archaeological importance. This Iron Age hillfort dates back to the late Bronze Age, around 700 BC, and was in use until the Roman conquest of Britain in the 1st century AD.

The site is situated on a prominent hilltop, providing strategic advantages for its inhabitants. It covers an area of approximately 10 acres and is enclosed by a series of earthworks, including a double rampart and ditch system. These defensive features were constructed using local materials, mainly earth and timber. The inner rampart still stands at a height of around 4 meters in some places.

Excavations at Berrow Hill Camp have revealed evidence of human occupation throughout its history. Numerous finds, such as pottery, coins, and metalwork, suggest that the site was not only a defensive stronghold but also a thriving community. The discovery of storage pits and grain-drying ovens indicates agricultural activities within the hillfort.

The hillfort's location on the Worcestershire Beacon, one of the highest points in the area, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is believed that this strategic position allowed its inhabitants to control and monitor the movements of people and resources in the region.

Berrow Hill Camp is open to the public, and visitors can explore the earthworks and gain insight into the lives of its Iron Age inhabitants. The site serves as a valuable resource for historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts interested in understanding the ancient past of Worcestershire.

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Berrow Hill Camp Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.225/-2.3753 or Grid Reference SO7458. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dinosaur at Martley

A rusty dinosaur model opposite the Chantry school in Martley, taken at the Chantry Orchard near the Martley circular walk (note: the path that is shown in the field is not the circular walk).

Fabian Musto

Glimpse of Martley Court

This grade II listed building was a farmhouse when it was first built in the C17, and it was remodelled in the early C19. This was altered in the late C19 and C20, and was grade II listed in November 1951. This photo showing the southeast side of the house was taken at the churchyard at St. Peter parish church.

Fabian Musto

Meadow in the Teme valley

Meadow in the Teme valley near Ham Farm.

Philip Halling

Timber framed barn, Ham Farm

A traditional old timber-framed barn at Ham Farm in the Teme valley near Clifton upon Teme.

Philip Halling

Old farm building, Ham Farm

Until recently a partial roof was still intact above the wall on the left of the red-brick building, see: SO7359 : Ham Farm

Philip Halling

Footpath through a wheat field

Footpath through a wheat field in the Teme valley with the farm at Tedney House in the near distance.

Philip Halling

Abandoned Hillhouse Cottages

Now completely surrounded by a crop of wheat, even now Hillhouse Cottages display a robustness. They echo the feeling that they belong on a windswept Bronte moorland.

Philip Halling

Collin's Green

The view from the side of the B4197.

John Allan

Berrow Hill

Walked north from the pub then made may through tracks or gaps in woodland to gain summit field. Beacon bagged first then headed south to next knoll to bag trig. Name: Berrow Hill Hill number: 5377 Height: 183m / 600ft Area: 38B: West Gloucestershire, Hereford & Worcester Class: Hu Grid ref: SO 74462 58607 Summit feature: beacon Drop: 105m Col: 78m SO745595

Rude Health

Admiral Rodney (1), Berrow Green near Martley, Worcs

A popular pub, with accommodation, on the B4197 road in the small village of Berrow Green. SO7458 : Admiral Rodney (2) - sign, Berrow Green near Martley, Worcs.

P L Chadwick

Admiral Rodney (2) - sign, Berrow Green near Martley, Worcs

There are several public houses in England named after Admiral Rodney, who was a famous naval figure in the late 18th century. George Brydges Rodney, 1st Baron Rodney, KB (baptised 13 February 1718; died 24 May 1792) is particularly remembered for his commands in the American War of Independence, and especially for his victory over the French at the Battle of the Saintes in 1782. The use of Rodney as a first name for boys was due to the Admiral's fame. It became a popular name at the end of the 18th century. The sign for this pub, as with most, has changed over the years. The present one, which is fairly recent, is virtually a copy of the well-known portrait by Thomas Gainsborough of 1782. It depicts the Admiral at the Battle of the Saintes, and behind him is the French Fleur de Lys naval ensign from the captured ship "Ville de Paris". SO7458 : Admiral Rodney (1), Berrow Green near Martley, Worcs.

P L Chadwick

The Crown (1), Martley, Worcs

The Crown is a large and much extended public house and restaurant in the village of Martley, on the B4197 road. Photographed early on a Saturday afternoon, the pub looked firmly closed but apparently on most days it does not open until 6pm, and on Mondays it doesn't open at all. SO7559 : The Crown (2) - sign, Martley, Worcs. SO7559 : The Crown (3), Martley, Worcs.

P L Chadwick

The Crown (2) - sign, Martley, Worcs

The pub is not a Marston's house, according to the brewery website, although it may well sell their beer. The name of the Crown indicates loyalty to the reigning monarch. It has been used as an inn or pub sign for hundreds of years. In the past, when most people were illiterate, the sign was easily recognised by people. The Crown is almost as popular as the Red Lion as a pub name. SO7559 : The Crown (1), Martley, Worcs. SO7559 : The Crown (3), Martley, Worcs.

P L Chadwick

The Crown (3), Martley, Worcs

Viewed from this side, the considerable extension to the original building can clearly be seen. The pub is adjacent to some farmland. There is currently a very controversial planning application to build fifty one houses on some of this. SO7559 : The Crown (1), Martley, Worcs. SO7559 : The Crown (2) - sign, Martley, Worcs.

P L Chadwick