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Maiden Castle, Dorset

The history of Maiden Castle goes back to the Neolithic period, three thousand years ago when an enormous banked enclosure was built on the top of a hill just outside what is now Dorchester in Dorset. Circular banks and ditches had important ceremonial purposes aside from any defence they might have provided. Stonehenge is surrounded by a circular ditch, and so are the famous standing stones of Avebury. Neolithic man was acutely aware of the circling of the seasons, and seems to have sought to represent this circle around their important sites.

In the Iron Age, from around 500BC, society appears to have become less stable, and the tradition of building banks and ditches took on a more physically protective role. Maiden Castle was extended at this time, so that between 450 and 300BC banks and ditches were enlarged, and a complicated route to a double entrance evolved, twisting and turning between high banks. This area is well preserved, and a visitor to Maiden Castle walks the same twisting path. Maiden Castle even now has an incredibly striking presence which in itself would have intimidated enemies. The banks were still a symbol of strength, as well as providing physical security. The name Maiden derives from the Celtic Mai Dun, which means Great Hill. Looked at from below this greatness is evident.

 

 

 

 

Entrance to Maiden Castle

 

Maiden Castle ended its days as an important fortification when the Romans invaded in 43AD. By then the castle was occupied by the Durotriges tribe, who put up ferocious resistance. Superior Roman technology eventually won the battle, and the Durotriges left to found Dorchester nearby.

The Romans obviously admired Maiden Castle since they built a temple here in the fourth century, the remains of which can still be seen. The castle was abandoned when the Romans left early in the fifth century. It is possible that Saxon invaders occupied the castle for a time, but Maiden Castle's days of greatness had passed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central enclosure of Maiden Castle

Today people walk their dogs around Maiden Castle, and sheep graze in the huge area on top of the hill where people once lived. Those banks were unable to hold back time and change. The wheel of life spun on and left Maiden Castle behind. And yet even when its physical power has gone, the symbolic power of this place is undimmed. Eventually it was the figurative power that survived, the idea that the circle of things would endure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directions: Maiden Castle is two miles south of Dorchester, off the A354. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Maiden Castle.

 

Access: The area is hilly, and would be difficult for someone with mobility problems.

Contact: Maiden Castle is maintained by English Heritage:

web site: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/maiden-castle/