Old Oswestry was built by Iron Age people nearly 3,000 years ago and is one of the best preserved hillforts in Britain.
Used for almost 1,000 years
It was constructed and occupied during the Iron Age (800 BC to AD 43). The vast ramparts enclose a roughly diamond-shaped area that may have housed a small settlement.
During the Iron Age, Britain was divided into numerous tribal territories, and the hillfort was probably a stronghold and principal settlement for one of these territories. Old Oswestry is a fine example of a 'multi-vallate' or multiple rampart hillfort. It is one of a dense band of hillforts in eastern Wales and the Marches.
Much of the information about the site comes from excavations conducted in 1939 by William Varley, but this was not published until recently.
Sources
Hughes, G 1994. 'Old Oswestry Hillfort: excavations by W J Varley 1939–40', 'Archaeologia Cambrensis', 143, 46–91
Martin, P 1999. 'The Historical Ecology of Old Oswestry', Shropshire Botanical Society, Autumn, 11–12
Disclaimer
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.
