How Big Were Hillforts?

British hillforts varied in size, with the majority covering an area of less than 1 ha (3 acres), but with most others ranging from this up to around 12 ha (30 acres) in size. In certain rare cases, they were bigger, with a few examples being over 80 ha (200 acres) in size.

Why did Hillforts have high walls?

Hill forts were built on hilltops and surrounded by huge banks (mounds) of soil and ditches. They were protected by wooden walls which kept enemies out. They were home to many people, who would have lived in wooden houses with thatched roofs made out of straw. Strongholds such as hill forts were built for protection.

What were Hillforts made from?

They were full of wooden houses with thatched roofs made of straw. These hill forts gave the tribes an excellent view, allowing them to see enemies coming from miles away. To make it difficult for enemies to attack, tribes surrounded there hill forts with huge mounds of earth, ditches and wooden walls.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.