Ranbury Ring

Heritage Site in Gloucestershire

England

Ranbury Ring

Road from Down Ampney to Poulton Country lane.
Road from Down Ampney to Poulton Credit: Vieve Forward

Ranbury Ring, located in Gloucestershire, England, is an ancient heritage site of great historical and archaeological significance. This Iron Age hillfort is situated atop a prominent hill, offering commanding views of the surrounding countryside.

The site, believed to have been constructed around 500 BC, consists of a series of defensive earthworks and ramparts, enclosing an area of approximately 3 hectares. The ramparts, which were once topped with wooden palisades, are still visible today, though somewhat eroded by the passage of time.

Excavations at Ranbury Ring have unearthed numerous artifacts, including pottery, bone tools, and remnants of Iron Age dwellings. These findings provide valuable insights into the daily lives and cultural practices of the people who inhabited the hillfort.

The strategic location of Ranbury Ring suggests that it served as a defensive stronghold, protecting its inhabitants from potential threats. It is believed that the site may have also functioned as a regional center for trade and social gatherings, as evidenced by the discovery of imported goods and evidence of communal activities.

Today, Ranbury Ring is a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring its rich history. The site is managed by the local heritage organization and offers guided tours, educational programs, and interpretation boards to enhance visitors' understanding of its significance. The tranquil surroundings and panoramic views make it an ideal spot for picnics and leisurely walks, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Ranbury Ring stands as a tangible link to the past, providing a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors and preserving a piece of Gloucestershire's ancient heritage.

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Ranbury Ring Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.703/-1.863 or Grid Reference SP0900. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road from Down Ampney to Poulton Country lane.
Road from Down Ampney to Poulton
Country lane.
The Lodge to Poulton Priory The Lodge and gates at the entrance to Poulton Priory.  Pevsner describes Poulton Priory as 'a large stone Tudor-Renaissance house of 1895-97 for James Joicey by Charles J. Blomfield (Sir Arthur Blomfield & Son)', though the house doesn't appear to be listed.  In medieval times the Gilbertine Priory founded in 1350 by Thomas de Sancto Mauro (or Seymour) stood nearby.
The Lodge to Poulton Priory
The Lodge and gates at the entrance to Poulton Priory. Pevsner describes Poulton Priory as 'a large stone Tudor-Renaissance house of 1895-97 for James Joicey by Charles J. Blomfield (Sir Arthur Blomfield & Son)', though the house doesn't appear to be listed. In medieval times the Gilbertine Priory founded in 1350 by Thomas de Sancto Mauro (or Seymour) stood nearby.
Country road near Poulton Country road between Down Ampney and Poulton.
Country road near Poulton
Country road between Down Ampney and Poulton.
Farmland near Poulton
Farmland near Poulton
Field to the north of Down Ampney Difficult to identify the crop growing in this field to the north of the village of Down Ampney.  Possibly turnips or swedes.
Field to the north of Down Ampney
Difficult to identify the crop growing in this field to the north of the village of Down Ampney. Possibly turnips or swedes.
Field near Poulton Hill Farm Field near Poulton Hill Farm, between the villages of Down Ampney and Poulton.
Field near Poulton Hill Farm
Field near Poulton Hill Farm, between the villages of Down Ampney and Poulton.
Red Lion at Intersection This square contains the village of Ampney St Peter, farmland, the A417 and a minor road. The Red Lion is at the intersection in the eastern section of the square.
Red Lion at Intersection
This square contains the village of Ampney St Peter, farmland, the A417 and a minor road. The Red Lion is at the intersection in the eastern section of the square.
Farmland near Ampney St Peter The square consists of farmland and the village. This view of the farmland was taken at the intersection in the eastern half looking more or less south west.
Farmland near Ampney St Peter
The square consists of farmland and the village. This view of the farmland was taken at the intersection in the eastern half looking more or less south west.
View of A417 near Ampney St Peter This view looks west along the A417 towards Ampney St Peter in the eastern section of the square. It appears characteristic of this region to find residences like this at road junctions.
View of A417 near Ampney St Peter
This view looks west along the A417 towards Ampney St Peter in the eastern section of the square. It appears characteristic of this region to find residences like this at road junctions.
Manor Farmyard: Ampney St Mary's This square is mostly farming area but also contains the village of Ampney St Marys. This farmyard is between the two minor roads in the south eastern section of the square.
Manor Farmyard: Ampney St Mary's
This square is mostly farming area but also contains the village of Ampney St Marys. This farmyard is between the two minor roads in the south eastern section of the square.
Barley Growing on Farmland near Poulton This is farmland in the southern section of the square. The square is all farmland and there are a number of minor roads and an A road passing through the square.
Barley Growing on Farmland near Poulton
This is farmland in the southern section of the square. The square is all farmland and there are a number of minor roads and an A road passing through the square.
Southern approach to Poulton. Glasshouses in the distance.
Southern approach to Poulton.
Glasshouses in the distance.
Willow in fine late autumn colour by A417 near Ampney St Peter.
Willow in fine late autumn colour by A417 near Ampney St Peter.
Sewage works near Ampney St Peter.
Sewage works near Ampney St Peter.
The Red Lion, Ampney St Peter.
The Red Lion, Ampney St Peter.
Ashbrook Lane A classic green lane.
Ashbrook Lane
A classic green lane.
Closed gate to Quarry Farm, Poulton.
Closed gate to Quarry Farm, Poulton.
Charlham Farm house and barn
Charlham Farm house and barn
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Ranbury Ring is located at Grid Ref: SP0900 (Lat: 51.703, Lng: -1.863)

What 3 Words

///torched.playroom.heartened. Near Fairford, Gloucestershire

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Ranbury Ring

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.703,-1.863
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 51.7045928/-1.8570094
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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