Prehistoric sites in Dorset, England

Badbury Rings
A guide to Dorset, England, highlighting attractions, history, and visitor information.
Home > England > Dorset > Ancient sites > Badbury Rings
SITE MAP

Home
Accommodation
 Hotels
 Hostels
 B&B
 Self catering
Attractions
 England
  Dorset

Travel Guide

Gazetteer

Ancient Sites
Castles
Countryside
Gardens
Historic Houses
Museums

Travel Resources
Tourist Information Centres
Travel links

Accommodation
Dorset Hotels
Bed & Breakfast
Self Catering


 Scotland
 Wales
 London
Travel Services
 Tours
 Rail Tickets
 Car Rental
Tourist Info Centres
 England
 Scotland
 Wales
Heritage
 History
 Culture
Travel Directory
 England
 Wales
 Scotland
 B&B
 Hotels
 Tour Operators
 Car Rental
 Walking Holidays
 Waterways  Holidays
 more....
About
 Contact
 About us
spacer
  
England
Dorset Gloucestershire map



Find this place on a map!

Badbury Rings

Contained within the considerable estates of Kingston Lacy House is this Iron Age hillfort, surrounded by three concentric ditches and ramparts. The ditches were dug to a depth of almost 20 feet, and the debris from the digging piled up on the inner side of the ditch, creating a high earthen rampart. It is likely that a timber pallisade would have surmounted the ramparts, affording cover to defenders. The main entrance (there are two) is flanked by three barrows, called locally the "Three Kings".

The site has not been subject to an excavation, but there indications that circular huts were erected in the interior of the fort. The most likely inhabitants of Badbury Rings were the Durotriges tribe, who were also responsible for Maiden Castle. That fort fell to an assault by the Roman legions under Vespasian in 43AD, and it seems likely that Badbury suffered the same fate. The Roman road from Old Sarum to Dorchester runs just to the west of the fort and there are rumours - though no hard evidence - that the Romans built a town called Vindocladia just outside the fort. The remains of a Roman villa have been found on the outskirts of Shapwick village one mile away.

It has been conjectured that Badbury is the site of Mons Badonicus (Mount Badon) - the great battle at which King Arthur defeated the advancing Germanic tribes of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes in the late 5th or early 6th century. Though there is no firm evidence that Badbury is Badon (or even that the battle ever took place), the similarity in names suggests such a possiblity.

Outside the outer ditch is a series of Bronze Age barrows, suggesting a cemetary or traditional place of burial. Views from the top of the 330 foot hill are quite good, with possible sightings of the Isle of Wight on a clear day.

The 2 mile long Beech Avenue can be seen more easily; the avenue is composed of 365 trees on each side of the road, one planted for each day of the year. A new belt of trees has been planted by the National Trust to the outside of the current avenue, to take over when the ancient trees die.

LOCATION
One mile from Shapwick, off the B3082 between Wimborne Minster and Blandford Forum.

OPENING DETAILS
Badbury Rings are open at all reasonable times. Dogs are not permitted.

NEARBY
Kingston Lacy House


Dorset Travel Guide

Dorset Overview - Dorset Tourist Information Centres - Dorset travel links

Attractions in Dorset - categories
Ancient Sites - Castles - Countryside - Gardens - Historic Houses - Towns & Villages Gazetteer

Featured attractions
Abbotsbury Swannery - Badbury Rings - Cerne Abbas Giant - Chesil Bank - Corfe Castle - Isle of Portland - Lyme Regis - Maiden Castle - Milton Abbas - Poole - Portland Castle - Rufus Castle - Shaftesbury - Sherborne - Weymouth

Dorset Photos
Abbottsbury - Abbottsbury Sub Tropical Gardens - Chesil Bank - Lyme Regis

Suggested Itineraries
Thomas Hardy's Dorset

Accommodation
Hotels in Dorset - Self Catering Cottages in Dorset

  


Accommodation
Dorset

Rosemary

North Chideock
Self catering cottage

Rosemary offers 1 double, 1 twin, bathroom, spacious lounge (with double sofa bed £30 charge for use)/dining room, spacious fully equipped kitchen. more >>
Sleeps 6

More cottages in Dorset >>


Dorset

Toad Hall

Middlemarsh
Self catering cottage

This cottage offers 1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom, shower room, fully equipped kitchen and lounge/diner. more >>
Sleeps 4

More cottages in Dorset >>



Bournemouth (Hotel)

Wessex Hotel

Ideally located on the West Cliff just a minute from the beach and within easy walking distance of the town centre. Extensive parking, a restaurant and a modern leisure centre with indoor and outdoor heated pools, sauna, solarium and gym have made it one of the most popular hotels in … more >>

More hotels in Dorset >>


Bournemouth (Hotel)

The Roundhouse Hotel

The Roundhouse Hotel is ideally situated, adjacent to the town's shops, clubs and restaurants, but only 5 minutes from East Cliff Beach. The hotel has its own private car park which is free to guests. All 192 bedrooms are well appointed rooms whilst Waves Restaurant, Bar and Terrace are open … more >>

More hotels in Dorset >>