Blackbury Camp Iron Age hillfort in the neighbouring County of Devonshire.

Blackbury Camp Iron Age hillfort is situated approximately 4 miles north-west of Beer and the coast of Devonshire.  I approached it along narrow lanes meandering up and down through beautiful countryside and eventually spotted the camp’s banks above me amongst the trees lining the road.

The hillfort is now heavily wooded, as is the surrounding area, and so there are no distant scenic views to the coast to enjoy.  However, the area is very peaceful and I enjoyed a pleasant hour walking in the shade among the trees and along the defensive banks. 

A view along the ramparts at Blackbury Camp hillfort in Devonshire.

The hillfort is in the care of English Heritage who have provided very interesting information boards detailing its history and usage.  Blackbury Camp was built during the 4^th century BC and was used by Iron-Age tribes for several hundred years.  It was probably a place of refuge for people and their animals in times of strife rather than a permanent settlement.

The hillfort was protected by a strong single gateway with a wooden walkway over the top.  A triangular barbican with its own entrance was later added beyond the main gate, a feature which added to the camp’s defensive strength.

The Devon Archaeological Exploration Society examined the site in the early 1950s, and discovered, amongst other artefacts, 1,271 beach pebbles.  The banks of the hillfort provided ideal vantage points from which the defenders would sling a lethal hail of such pebbles down upon any attackers.

Looking up at the defensive bank from the outer ditch at Blackbury Camp hillfort in Devonshire.

The information board lists several other hillforts in the area.  I am sure they are well worth visiting – and I intend to do just that!