Badbury Rings

This concentric ring hillfort dates from the Iron Age, and according to archaeologists was built to stem an invasion from the Northeast of the country.

The hillfort consists of three concentric rings of banks and ditches the third outer ditch being the smallest. There were two entrances to the site one in the East, which is staggered to make it more difficult to attack, and one in the West. Much of the fort is now wooded and the trees were once used as a breeding site for Ravens.

It is traditionally seen as the site of Badon, Arthur’s decisive victory against the Saxons. According to Geoffrey Ashe, the hill fort is too far away from the early Saxon populations to qualify for this role. The site has never been excavated as far as I am aware so it is difficult to make any assumptions as to its history. The site may have been deemed strategic after the Roman withdrawal because two Roman roads, main route ways through the countryside formed a junction here. According to one legend after his death Arthur took the form of a Raven and lived within the wood.

Directions: Near Wimborne off the B3082, National Trust Property.