The earthwork defences of an Iron Age fort were built at Bratton Camp over 2,000 years ago.
The earthworks protected a settlement, containing round houses, granaries, stores and workshops. The double banks and ditches may have symbolised the dominance and power of the hillfort community and would have been formidable obstacles to enemies.
Excavations within the fort in the 18th century by Jeffrey Whitaker, a local schoolmaster, uncovered quern stones, pottery, and Roman and Saxon coins. Also found were 'nearly a cartload' of large pebbles, probably sling stones kept ready on the ramparts to throw at any attackers.
Three thousand years before, a Neolithic long barrow had been built on this hill. The hillfort was preserved by the later occupants and excavations into the barrow in the 19th century revealed human skeletons and cremations.
Bratton Down is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The extensive area of chalk grassland supports herb and grass species that provide a habitat for a diverse assemblage of insects, including the rare Adonis Blue butterfly and the scarce forester moth.
Woolner, D 1967. 'New Light on the White Horse [Uffington, Berkshire]', Folklore: Transactions of the Folkore Society, 78, 90–112
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The text and pictures on this page are derived from the 'Heritage Unlocked' series of guidebooks published in 2004. We intend to review, update and enhance the content in the near future as part of the Portico project, whose objective is to provide information on the history, significance, research background and sources for all English Heritage properties.
