King Lud's Entrenchments

Heritage Site in Leicestershire Melton

England

King Lud's Entrenchments

Pinus nigra ssp. laricio These are Corsican Pine, growing in the garden of what used to be the school.

Although at first sight they are sturdy specimens, in fact they are infected with a disease called Red Band Needle Blight - caused by the fungus Dothistroma septosporum. My correspondent says they are predicted for felling to prevent the spread of the disease, that can affect several species of Pinus. — Pinus nigra ssp. laricio Credit: Bob Harvey

King Lud's Entrenchments, located in Leicestershire, is a significant heritage site that holds historical and archaeological importance. These entrenchments are believed to be remnants of an Iron Age hillfort, dating back to around 500 BC. The site covers an area of approximately 20 acres and is situated on a prominent ridge overlooking the Soar Valley.

The entrenchments consist of a series of earthworks, including a deep ditch and a rampart that encircles the hilltop. The ditch measures about 20 meters wide and 4 meters deep, while the rampart stands at a height of around 2 meters. The overall layout of the fortification is roughly circular, with an entrance on the eastern side.

Archaeological excavations at King Lud's Entrenchments have uncovered evidence of occupation and defensive structures, such as postholes and storage pits. These findings suggest that the site was inhabited during the Iron Age period, possibly by a small community engaged in agriculture and trade.

The name "King Lud's Entrenchments" is derived from local folklore, which associates the site with the legendary British king, King Lud. However, there is no historical evidence to support this claim.

Today, King Lud's Entrenchments are a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring and learning about Leicestershire's ancient history. The site offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal spot for walks and picnics. Efforts have been made to preserve and protect the entrenchments, ensuring their continued significance as a heritage site for future generations to appreciate.

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King Lud's Entrenchments Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.837/-0.715 or Grid Reference SK8627. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pinus nigra ssp. laricio

These are Corsican Pine, growing in the garden of what used to be the school. Although at first sight they are sturdy specimens, in fact they are infected with a disease called Red Band Needle Blight - caused by the fungus Dothistroma septosporum. My correspondent says they are predicted for felling to prevent the spread of the disease, that can affect several species of Pinus.

Bob Harvey

The Old Post House

Former post office, now just a rather nice home. See also SK8426 : At the former post office.

Bob Harvey

At the former post office

You can often spot a former village post office if there is a posting box and a telephone box in close proximity. In this case the telephone box has been converted to contain a defibrillator instead of a payphone See SK8426 : Wallbox, SK8426 : Former telephone box, and SK8426 : Defibrillator in the phone box.

Bob Harvey

Wallbox

A postbox of King George, set in a brick pillar next to the former post office (SK8426 : At the former post office), and carrying the priority labels for posting off PCR tests during the covid pandemic.

Bob Harvey

Former telephone box

Now containing, as the banner at the top says, a public access defibrillator. - see SK8426 : Defibrillator in the phone box

Bob Harvey

Defibrillator in the phone box

Bob Harvey

St Peter's Church - the celebrant's view

Taken from behind the altarof this grade II* listed church (Link

)

Bob Harvey

St Peter's Church - Nave and Chancel Arch

Bob Harvey

St Peter's Church - the roof

St Peter's church at Saltby is a grade II* listed parish church with a C13 west tower, early C14 nave and chancel which were reworked in the C15 and the chancel was further remodelled during the 1885 restoration. The church is built of Ironstone with limestone dressings and the parapets hide roofs that are lead. The tower is built in 3 stages with a late C14 belfry stage and a Perpendicular gabled south porch with double chamfered entrance arch. There is a blocked north nave door and a blocked north door in the chancel to the east of an organ chamber with no organ. The font is a plain C13 drum font on a hexagonal stem and the bench sedilia and piscina are dated around 1885.

Bob Harvey

Main Street

Main street in Saltby is dominated by these Corsican Pines, which look splendid but there is a shadow over them. See SK8526 : Pinus nigra ssp. laricio.

Bob Harvey