<< Our Photo Pages >> Old Oswestry Fort - Hillfort in England in Shropshire

Submitted by TimPrevett on Thursday, 11 February 2016  Page Views: 46975

Iron Age and Later PrehistorySite Name: Old Oswestry Fort Alternative Name: Hen Dinas
Country: England County: Shropshire Type: Hillfort
Nearest Town: Oswestry  Nearest Village: Old Oswestry
Map Ref: SJ295310  Landranger Map Number: 126
Latitude: 52.871835N  Longitude: 3.048838W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
 4 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
 3 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
 4 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
 4

Internal Links:
External Links:

I have visited· I would like to visit

DrewParsons mah would like to visit

w650marion visited on 22nd Oct 2024 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4 Extensive views for miles from the ramparts, despite being a low hill. Enjoyable walk on a well cared for Hillfort. The southern half and large central area is being grazed by black soay/hebridean sheep (Iron Age sheep) to keep the bracken away - it can damage the archaeology.

elad13 visited on 20th Nov 2019 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

Marko visited on 27th Oct 2018 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 3 Access: 5

graemefield visited on 12th Oct 2008 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 3

FrothNinja visited on 1st May 1975 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 5 Access: 4

h_fenton TimPrevett Serenstar have visited here

Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 3.2 Ambience: 4 Access: 4

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by Bladup : Old Oswestry, western side looking north. (Vote or comment on this photo)
Old Oswestry has been described as the finest example of an Iron Age hill fort in the Marches, Shropshire, mainly because of its highly elaborate defences. This is perhaps out of necessity - the hill upon which Old Oswestry sits is unusually low for an iron age hill fort and so it may have been necessary to have more complex ramparts.

Note: Valentine's Day 'Hillfort Hug' and Archaeology Symposium (13th) at Old Oswestry Fort - see the latest comments on our page
You may be viewing yesterday's version of this page. To see the most up to date information please register for a free account.


Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by andcampbell : Old Oswestry Fort from the air (looking south) (Vote or comment on this photo)

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by h_fenton : Old Oswestry Hillfort from the south. Kite Aerial Photograph 28 May 2010 (Vote or comment on this photo)

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by h_fenton : Entrance to Old Oswestry hillfort. Kite Aerial Photograph. 31 May 2009 (Vote or comment on this photo)

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by TimPrevett : One of the interpretive signs at Old Oswestry Hillfort. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by KW : Aerial photography (aircraft, not drone) taken 7/1/2024 (Vote or comment on this photo)

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by VirtHist : This is the view of Old Oswestry most people see as they drive past it on the A5 heading up to North Wales. Most of this fort is surrounded by five ramparts and ditches, except on the west side where there are seven. There are two entrances, one on the western and one on the eastern side. The western entrance has the unusual and unique feature of a series of deep, rectangular hollows. No on... (1 comment)

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by w650marion : Autumn sunlight shows the steep ramparts, and extensive views of the surrounding landscape despite not being a very high hill. The ramparts are now clear of the bracken (which can damage underlying archaeology) that had re-established itself on the hillfort. The scale of the site and the steepness of the slopes makes it hard to cut the bracken back, so, through consultation with a grazier ...

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by w650marion : Central area feature - caused by WW1 explosives! An information board says - "During the First World War, the hillfort was used as a military training area. Trenches were dug and the use of explosives caused the creation of shallow craters sometimes mistaken for archaeological features. Much of the archaeology of the interior of the fort was damaged at this time". So not a hut platform the...

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by Bladup : 3D view of the digital terrain model of Old Oswestry Fort by Rouven Meidlinger

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by Bladup : Old Oswestry, the south west part of the fort looking west.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by Bladup : Old Oswestry, south side.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by Bladup : Old Oswestry, south east side.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by Bladup : Old Oswestry, north east side.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by Bladup : Old Oswestry, North West side.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by Bladup : Old Oswestry, West side.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by dodomad : The OSW004 Site seen from Old Oswestry Hill Fort, which campaigners argue shows how the infill of housing would have a substantial and harmful effect on the views to and from the scheduled site. Image credit: Old Oswestry Hill Fort on Facebook

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by Nick- : Old Oswestry May 1986 and October 2014. This time (unlike in 2006) I dragged the old photo along with me and this was the closest I could get to the same angle ...... The 1986 photo brings back memories of how quiet the site used to be, before they opened the by-pass...... (1 comment)

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by postman : The banks and ditches on the north side.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by postman : One of the weird square troughs on the north side of the entrance.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by postman : Looking over the entrance to New Oswestry, New Oswestry .... so good they named it twice.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by postman : On the eastern banks looking north to Llwyn Coppice

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by postman : From a prominent (151 meter) high hill to the north.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by postman : From just above Llwyn Coppice playing field.

Old Oswestry Fort
Old Oswestry Fort submitted by Nick- : Old Oswestry in 1986, and in 2006. It has certainly grown shaggy..... I couldn't get exactly the same angle, as I didn't have the old photo with me..... (3 comments)

These are just the first 25 photos of Old Oswestry Fort. If you log in with a free user account you will be able to see our entire collection.

Do not use the above information on other web sites or publications without permission of the contributor.
Click here to see more info for this site

Nearby sites

Click here to view sites on an interactive OS map

Key: Red: member's photo, Blue: 3rd party photo, Yellow: other image, Green: no photo - please go there and take one, Grey: site destroyed

Download sites to:
KML (Google Earth)
GPX (GPS waypoints)
CSV (Garmin/Navman)
CSV (Excel)

To unlock full downloads you need to sign up as a Contributory Member. Otherwise downloads are limited to 50 sites.


Turn off the page maps and other distractions

Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 2.0km S 172° Carreg Llwyd Standing Stone (Oswestry) Standing Stone (Menhir) (SJ29762903)
 2.0km SSW 212° St Oswald's Well (Oswestry)* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SJ284293)
 2.3km SSW 198° Croeswylan Stone (Oswestry)* Ancient Cross (SJ2875228785)
 2.4km ENE 70° Park Issa Standing Stone Standing Stone (Menhir) (SJ31753176)
 3.0km E 83° Whittington Castle* Artificial Mound (SJ325313)
 4.3km WNW 295° Carreg y Big (Shropshire)* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SJ25623288)
 4.9km WNW 290° The Springs Standing Stone* Standing Stones (SJ24863276)
 5.0km NW 308° Selattyn Hill Ring Cairn* Ring Cairn (SJ256341)
 5.0km W 262° Cynynion Standing Stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SJ24503040)
 5.2km SW 225° Offa's Dyke north of Trefonen* Misc. Earthwork (SJ258274)
 5.5km NNW 344° The Temple (Quinta Hall)* Modern Stone Circle etc (SJ28043635)
 5.6km WNW 301° Yr Orsedd Wen Ring Cairn* Ring Cairn (SJ2473034010)
 6.1km NNW 339° Pentre Farm Stone Head* Sculptured Stone (SJ2741636711)
 6.6km WSW 251° Coed-Y-Gaer Hillfort (Shropshire)* Hillfort (SJ2323028970)
 6.6km SW 219° Bwlch Standing Stone (Trefonen)* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SJ2526025910)
 7.1km SSE 157° St Winifred's Well* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SJ3222624437)
 8.1km SSE 156° Woolstone Causewayed Enclosure (SJ32752355)
 8.1km NW 318° Graig Wen Round Barrow/Cairn Cemetery* Round Barrow(s) (SJ2409037110)
 8.7km ESE 110° Gravelpits Wood Burnt Mounds Artificial Mound (SJ376279)
 9.0km WSW 251° St Silin's Well* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SJ209282)
 9.4km WNW 294° Caemor Wood Ring Cairn* Ring Cairn (SJ20933494)
 9.5km SSW 198° Llanymynech Hill* Hillfort (SJ265220)
 9.8km NNW 344° Cae Carreg Lwyd Standing Stone (Menhir) (SJ270405)
 10.4km NW 314° Pen-y-Brongyll Round Barrow* Round Barrow(s) (SJ22183837)
 10.5km W 267° Ysgwennant 'Beaker' Barrow* Round Barrow(s) (SJ1895030530)
View more nearby sites and additional images

<< Dolmen de Coupiat

Dolmen de Croaz Pulviny >>

Please add your thoughts on this site

Contribute!

· NEW: I have visited
· I would like to visit
· Submit an Image
· Add a description
· Give accurate position
· Add a comment or news about this site

Build your own Stonehenge! (Model)

Build your own Stonehenge! (Model)

Sponsors

Auto-Translation (Google)

Translate from English into:

"Old Oswestry Fort" | Login/Create an Account | 33 News and Comments
  
Go back to top of page    Comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
Re: Old Oswestry Fort by Anonymous on Saturday, 29 June 2019
Best hillfort in northern Britain, other than Tre;r Ceiri. It is disgusting anyboidy is planning to harm the surrond of the area. We condemn Isis for destroying ancient Ninevah, and then allow this Gem, to be harmed. All for greedy proffit and for people who could just have a house built in a field somewhere else not too far away. They could build houses elsewhere, very easilly, Why destroy 2000 Years of history, it is disgusting vandalism. It is sheer vandalism.
[ Reply to This ]

The Oswestry Hillfort Pegasus stone by Andy B on Monday, 10 July 2017
(User Info | Send a Message)
The Oswestry Hillfort Pegasus stone
Posted on January 21, 2014

A discovery from 2008 has been dubbed the Oswestry Pegasus Stone.

The engraved stone currently stands in the Oswestry Town Museum and Professor George Nash was invited by Rodney Farmer to review the previous interpretation.

The stone was recovered during an archaeological watching brief in February 2008 from undergrowth near the main entrance to Old Oswestry Hillfort, close to the western outer ramparts. The stone, along with another was found close to a mature hedge and their location may be the result of historic field clearance. The stone weighs around 100 kg and was partially buried in top soil (Rodney Farmer pers comm.). It was initially examined by Heather Hidden (Oswestry and Borders History and Archaeology Group) and Maggie Rowlands. Later inspection of the stone by Margaret Worthington and Maggie Rowlands in late March 2008 noted potential engravings on two of its faces.

The Pegasus Stone is so-named due to a probable bas-relief horse carved onto one of the faces of the stone of carboniferous millstone grit that measures c. 0.75 x 0.40 by 0.30m wide. One of the faces displays a large number of linear scratch marks, the majority of which may represent successive scoring produced from a plough before it was deposited near the field edge.

More at
http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/01/2014/oswestry-hillfort-pegasus-stone
[ Reply to This ]

Valentine's Day 'Hillfort Hug' and Archaeology Symposium (13th) at Old Oswestry Fort by Andy B on Thursday, 11 February 2016
(User Info | Send a Message)
Shropshire councillors may have voted to throw open its ancient landscape to development, but defiant residents will be scaling its ramparts on Valentine’s Day in a hug of protection for the Iron Age icon.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural hug, campaign group (Hands Off Old Oswestry Hillfort) HOOOH is staging a weekend of events embracing the archaeology and landscape of one of Britain’s most celebrated hillforts.

Running February 13th and 14th, the Old Oswestry Hug Weekend will include a heritage seminar, craft workshops, art exhibitions, music event, as well as a mass hug of the hillfort itself.

Expanding on its well-received seminar in 2014, HOOOH will be hosting a full day symposium in Oswestry’s Memorial Hall on Saturday 13 February. Invited speakers will explore Old Oswestry’s multi-faceted archaeology and heritage landscape as well as modern-day planning threats to it.

The hillfort hug will take place from 1pm on Sunday 14 February, culminating in a procession along the ramparts with lights and drums. It attracted over 450 people last year and was supported by a national social media campaign, #hugyourheritage, created by the Council of British Archaeology.

HOOOH is also delighted to announce that the hug event is being supported by a number of local artists with an exciting series of exhibitions under the banner ‘Artists Hugging Old Oswestry Hillfort’ (AHH!).

Members of art groups, Inside Out Art and Borderland Visual Arts, are busy creating artwork, including paintings, sculpture, textiles and jewellery, inspired by the 3,000-year-old monument and its landscape. Many will be on display in time for the hug weekend.

From February 1 to April 4, Oswestry’s Heritage & Visitor Centre will be showing an exhibition of AHH! work entitled ‘Views of, and on, Old Oswestry Hillfort’.

Oswestry arts venue, Hermon, will also be showcasing a number of AHH! installations during February and will be hosting drum and light-making workshops on February 6 and 13. It is also staging ‘Hillfort Live’, an evening of ‘hillfort-centric’ music and performance on February 13 from 7.30pm.

A third exhibition will run at Oswestry’s Willow Gallery from April 23 to May 21, incorporating photos and film of this year’s hug.

Campaigner Dr George Nash said: “This is yet again another extremely visual display by the people of Shropshire and the Borderlands showing their support for this iconic monument. Let’s hope Shropshire Council with its new leader can see and hear what the people are saying, which is simply ‘No’ to development.”

Llanarmon-based artist Diana Baur, spokesperson for AHH!, said: “Local artists are making works that reference the hillfort, visually expressing its importance for future generations and the fight to protect its setting. Plans are being laid for the exhibition to then travel further afield linking to other areas where our national heritage is threatened.”

HOOOH is campaigning against the reassignment of the hillfort’s eastern hinterland – and heart of Oswestry’s heritage gateway – for an estate of 117 houses. Despite overwhelming opposition and calls from the highest echelons of British archaeology to reject the development, it was recently approved by Shropshire Council on the SAMDev local plan.

*Anyone interested in stewarding at the hillfort hug can contact HOOOH on 01691 652918 or [email protected]

Source:
http://oldoswestryhillfort.co.uk/press-release-more-hugs-planned-for-oswestrys-inspirational-hillfort/
[ Reply to This ]

Oswestry hillfort homes given the go-ahead by Andy B on Friday, 18 December 2015
(User Info | Send a Message)
Oswestry Hillfort campaigners in council HQ demo
CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a new housing development near Oswestry Hillfort staged a protest at Shropshire Council headquarters.
http://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/155985/oswestry-hillfort-campaigners-in-council-hq-demo.aspx

Oswestry hillfort homes given the go-ahead
More than 100 homes will be built close to Oswestry's Iron Age hillfort after council chiefs approved its 10-year housing plan for the region.

Shropshire Council approved its SAMDev housing policy at a meeting yesterday, meaning 117 homes will be built near the hillfort in Oswestry.

Despite being met by a team of campaigners from the Hands Off Oswestry Hillfort group, councillors approved the plans for the homes, which will be built off Whittington Road.

Prior to the meeting, the campaign group warned it will be launching a judicial review if the homes are kept in the blueprint.

Dr Rachel Pope, senior lecturer in European prehistory at University of Liverpool, told the meeting planning laws would be “contravened” if SAMDev was approved with the hillfort homes included.

She said: “Everyone understands you can’t bulldoze a monument but what people don’t realise is the landscape has the same protection as the monument itself. It’s been there for 3,000 years, it’s a very, very loved and respected monument by the people of Oswestry and it’s disturbing that the elected representatives are not listening to the people for the sake of 117 homes.”

http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2015/12/18/oswestry-hillfort-homes-given-the-go-ahead/
[ Reply to This ]

Old Oswestry Fort - amended dev. guidelines out to consultation - still too close by Andy B on Monday, 01 June 2015
(User Info | Send a Message)
In a move which is certain to reignite the controversy over the proposed housing development in the shadow of the nationally important Old Oswestry Hill Fort in Shropshire, Shropshire County Council have put amended development guidelines out to consultation starting on 1 June 2015. Local campaigners from the Hands Off Old Oswestry Hill Fort [HOOOH] along with many organisations and experts from the archaeological world, including Lord Renfrew and Sir Barry Cunliffe, had hoped the site would be withdrawn from the council’s “Site Allocations and Management of Development (SAMDev) Plan”. However, the much delayed revised draft plan, which was initially expected to have been published well before the General Election, retains a proposal to develop 124 houses on the controversial site OSW004, just a few hundred meters from the scheduled site, in a position which, many experts argue, substantially damages the setting of the hill fort as well as the local environment.

See above for a view of the OSW004 housing site seen from Old Oswestry Hill Fort, which campaigners argue shows how the infill of housing would have a substantial and harmful effect on the views to and from the scheduled site.

An open letter signed by Lord Renfrew, Sir Barry Cunliffe and a roll call of senior academic experts, which was sent to the former Communities and Culture Ministers, Eric Pickles and Sajid Javid in December 2014, claimed the development would cause “irreparable harm” to the hill fort’s setting and concluded

“If the bar for acceptable development under the NPPF does not protect the setting of even our most significant heritage sites, then we set a potentially calamitous precedent for the greater part of the nation’s historic environment.”

As a result the campaigners are also angry and perplexed that the revised plan has apparently been agreed with Historic England, formerly English Heritage, subject to a series of conditions, including a full archaeological assessment, cosmetic landscaping and the preservation of certain views, which falls far short of what both local people and the independent experts consulted, either wanted or expected.

Read more at The Pipeline
http://thepipeline.info/blog/2015/05/30/old-oswestry-controversy-set-to-reignite/
[ Reply to This ]

Plea to show love for heritage by joining in hug at ancient Oswestry hillfort by Andy B on Thursday, 12 February 2015
(User Info | Send a Message)
More than 100 people have signed up to give an iconic hillfort a national “heritage hug” on Valentine’s Day.

The 3,000-year-old Iron Age monument will be the scene of a symbolic hug on Saturday as part of a campaign to protect the surrounding area from development.

And organisers are now urging more people to sign up before Saturday’s event.

What started as a single event has gone national, with a social media campaign #hugyourheritage calling for the nation to join in by tweeting selfies with the “I love heritage” logo.

It has gained the support of museums around the country, including the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth, Jane Austen’s House in Hampshire, and the Historic Scotland agency.

Kate Clarke, of Oswestry, who is one of the campaigners, said: “History and heritage are important. We want people to show heritage some love in a protective hug at Old Oswestry Hillfort as planners target its ancient landscape for housing.”

She added: “If you can’t be there in person, pledge to join in through the hashtag #hugyourheritage and share a picture of you with your favourite heritage site, monument or building.”

Participants are being asked to reserve their tweets at Thunderclap, the crowdspeaking platform which will mass-share the message on Valentine’s Day at https://www.thunderclap.it/en/projects/22001-hug-your-her%20itage

The move comes as a Government inspector considers whether areas bordering the earthwork earmarked for housing should remain in Shropshire’s future local development plan.

The hug will take place at 1pm and people are asked to meet at Gatacre playing fields in Oswestry for the short walk to the site. People should sign up to the event page on Facebook if possible.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1451259418462700

http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2015/02/11/plea-to-show-love-for-heritage-by-joining-in-hug-at-ancient-oswestry-hillfort/

http://oldoswestryhillfort.co.uk/
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Plea to show love for heritage by joining in hug at ancient Oswestry hillfort by Andy B on Thursday, 12 February 2015
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    ‘Show heritage some love’ in a protective hug at Old Oswestry hillfort in North Shropshire as planners target its ancient landscape for housing. The ‘Hillfort Hug’ takes place on Valentine’s Day, February 14, with a peaceful family event organised by Hands Off Old Oswestry Hillfort (HOOOH). We are urging as many people as possible to take part in person or online and demonstrate their support for an iconic and nationally important hillfort.

    It comes as a government Inspector decides whether fiercely opposed housing allocations bordering the 3,000 year old earthwork should remain in Shropshire’s SAMDev local plan.

    Dr George Nash, an archaeologist and adviser to HOOOH, said: “What happens at Old Oswestry is being seen as a test case that could open the floodgates to indiscriminate development exploiting heritage sites and areas of natural beauty across Britain.

    If you can't be there in person, pledge to join in through the hashtag #hugyourheritage and share a picture of you with your favourite heritage site, monument or building in the days leading up to the 14th February.

    Sign up to this Thunderclap on Valentines Day to show solidarity with HOOOH - let the world know that local communities value their heritage sites!

    https://www.thunderclap.it/en/projects/22001-hug-your-her%20itage
    [ Reply to This ]

Protesters take next step in Oswestry Hillfort homes battle by Andy B on Thursday, 12 February 2015
(User Info | Send a Message)
December 16, 2014: Campaigners fighting plans to build more than 100 homes that would be seen from the top of the Old Oswestry Hillfort were due at Shirehall in Shrewsbury today to put their case to a government inspector.
Oswestry’s superb Iron Age hillfort in the snow - named as the best example in the UK.

The Hands off Old Oswestry Hillfort (HoooH) group has the support of expert archaeologists who were giving evidence to the inspector who is examining Shropshire Council’s SAMDev plan, its development vision to 2026.

Objectors say the land off Whittington Road on the edge of Oswestry should not been including for housing in the plan because of its closeness to the ancient monument.

Kate Clarke, from HoooH, said the development is strongly opposed by senior academics in British Archaeology.

More
http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2014/12/16/protesters-take-next-step-in-oswestry-hillfort-homes-battle/
[ Reply to This ]

Council blind spot over hillfort housing jeopardises county plan, warn campaigners by Andy B on Thursday, 09 October 2014
(User Info | Send a Message)
Shropshire Council is gambling with public money and elector confidence by keeping housing allocations by Old Oswestry hillfort in its development masterplan, say campaigners.

The Hands off Old Oswestry Hillfort (HOOOH) group claims that planners have underplayed the scale and signifi- cance of objections to the 117 houses in submitting the County’s SAMDev plan for examination.

This latest outcry over the controversial hillfort site, known as OSW004, comes as public hearings are announced for objectors to make their case to the appointed Inspector. These are set to take place at Shirehall in Shrewsbury between November 11 and December 19.

HOOOH says that Shropshire Council has failed to properly counter a raft of representations challenging OSW004 in the final consultation on soundness which concluded at the end of April.

Campaigner John Waine said: “The Council has offered little explanation as to why objections raised by the public against OSW004 are not valid, effectively dismissing them as if they have no basis. Planners are risking tax-payers’ money by allowing a site burdened with unresolved issues and firmly founded objections, and therefore uncertain planning justification, to go forward for examination. Their blind spot over the hillfort could jeopardise the whole of SAMDev, resulting in substantial and unnecessary financial costs and reputational damage should it be rejected.”

In a summary of the final representations, Oswestry accounts for the greatest proportion of objections, mostly against OSW004, out of 18 catchment areas across the County.

In countering them, Shropshire Council states: ‘The value and significance of the hillfort and its setting has been recognised in preparing the Plan,’ going on to say, ‘In reaching its view, the Council has had regard to all of the evidence available and the professional expertise of its officers.’

But campaigners insist that some of the original evidence on which the Council has based decisions was inaccurate and out of date, and therefore flawed.

HOOOH, guided by its legal advisers, has long challenged the site promoter’s heritage impact assessment dating back to August 2013, asserting that it underestimates the potential harm from development to the hillfort’s setting and significance. The challenge has led the site promoter to revise their assessments and resubmit these in April 2014 as part of the soundness consultation.

At the same time, Shropshire planners have dismissed and failed to make available alternative reports submitted by qualified archaeologists on behalf of HOOOH that conclude that impacts would be substantial.

Campaigners maintain that the threat to the nationally-protected Scheduled Monument and the damage that the proposed housing would have on its setting through urban expansion remain severe.

Heritage specialist and campaign supporter, Dr George Nash, said: “Existing impressive views to the iconic hillfort from the B4580 Whittington Road would be blocked by the proposed housing. Significant views from Old Oswestry south-eastwards over the Midland Plain towards other hillforts at Nesscliffe and the Wrekin would also be adversely affected by construction of housing at OSW004.”

HOOOH also points out that English Heritage has stated in correspondence with Shropshire Council that it should not be assumed it will not object to development at OSW004, but this has been omitted from representations on the SAMDev website.

Neil Phillips of HOOOH said: “We cannot understand why planners are investing so much effort at such great risk by holding onto what is a relatively small yet hugely opposed parcel of housing that clearly contravenes numerous points of heritage planning.

“We can only assume that they see OSW004 as a strategic foothold to growth of the town northwards which would devastate the hillfort’s eastern setting and the postcard vistas integral to its tourism and heri

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

Old Oswestry Fort, Guided Sunset Walk, Saturday 14th September by Andy B on Tuesday, 03 September 2013
(User Info | Send a Message)
Oswestry & Beyond: OBHAG - Guided Sunset Walk
Old Oswestry Hillfort Oswestry Hillfort, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7AA

Watch the sun go down from the impressive western entrance of one of the most magnificent Iron Age hillforts in the UK.

Guided walk offered by Oswestry and Border History and Archaeology Group, good walking shoes recommended.

Meet at the entrance off Llwyn Road.

Saturday 14th September: Walk 1845

See more at: http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/oswestry-beyond-obhag-guided-sunset-walk-old-oswestry-hillfort#sthash.6TvAHBkQ.dpuf
[ Reply to This ]

Old Oswestry Hillfort is under threat of damaging housing development by Andy B on Monday, 05 August 2013
(User Info | Send a Message)
Despite opposition from English Heritage, local groups and residents during public consultation, Shropshire Council is forging ahead under strategic county planning (SAMDev) with proposals for significant housing development within the curtilage of this globally important Iron Age monument.

We are urging people to sign an online petition against the proposals here:
http://chn.ge/17lw7dT

You can also join the current Facebook page to follow the campaign here: http://www.facebook.com/OldOswestryHillfort

The current (third) stage of the SAMDev consultation with full details of the proposed housing sites (OSW0002 & OSW003) can be found here: (PDF)
http://shropshire.gov.uk/planningpolicy.nsf/viewAttachments/AWIN-99JGZU/$file/Oswestry-area-samdev-revised-preferred-options-report-2013.pdf

The initial aim is to achieve a deferral of the decision date on these two specific sites. While delaying what we believe would be potentially catastrophic decisions affecting the fort’s immediate setting , it will give campaigners time to put forward an alternative proposal - for a major archaelogical visitor centre, community farm, rural skills centre and festival site for heritage, farming and sustainable living events.

If you can please share this information to encourage support and more signatures to the petition, we would be very grateful.

Thanks
Kate Clarke
On behalf of HOOOH, Hands off Old Oswestry Hillfort
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Old Oswestry Hillfort is under threat of damaging housing development by Andy B on Monday, 05 August 2013
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    Oswestry Council write (page 3 of the document):
    The following changes are proposed:
    Reduction in size of sites OSW002, OSW003 and OSW004: Further work with
    the promoters of the sites, including consideration of a detailed Heritage
    Impact Assessment, and discussions with English Heritage have led to a
    significant reduction in the size and capacity of these sites overall in order to
    safeguard the setting of the Old Oswestry Hill Fort.

    OSW002 – land off Gobowen Road reduced from 80 to 36 dwellings,
    with the development to sit beneath the existing wooded hill and to be
    served by an access of ‘country lane’ character from the Gobowen
    Road. New footpath links to the hill and the Hill Fort to be provided
    to/from the development and the Gobowen Road;

    OSW003 – Oldport Farm, Gobowen Road increased from 25 to 35
    dwellings, but on the footprint of the existing farm and to include re-use
    of existing buildings where possible and new courtyard buildings. The
    removal of existing poor quality agricultural buildings and structures will
    mean a significant visual enhancement in terms of the setting of, and
    views from, the Hill Fort. The development to be linked to the provision
    of a 100 space car park on the Gobowen Road for visitors to the Hill
    Fort, information boards and new footpath linkages to the Hill Fort.

    OSW004 (part) – land off Whittington Road reduced from 125 to 117
    dwellings, pulling the northern extent of the site back significantly
    towards the Whittington Road, with a landscaped edge, and with the
    proposed 2-3 hectare employment area to the west of the A5/A483
    junction removed altogether, to leave open views across the land to
    and from the Hill Fort. A new footpath to be provided through this open
    corridor to link the Whittington Road to the Gobowen Road and Hill
    Fort;

    The allocation of all three sites will remain on the basis that access, layout
    and design will have regard to the setting of the Hill Fort, provision of public
    open space and paths to enable the improvement of the public access to
    and enjoyment of the Hill Fort with, for OSW002 and OSW003, measures
    to manage traffic speeds on the Gobowen Road and parking for visitors to
    the Hill Fort (to be agreed with English Heritage) and, for OSW004,
    improvements to the Whittington and Gobowen Roads junction and the
    junction of Whittington Road with the A5/A483, and incorporation of
    appropriate buffer areas/uses to existing businesses on Whittington Road.

    The current (third) stage of the SAMDev consultation with full details of the proposed housing sites (OSW0002 & OSW003) can be found here: (PDF)
    http://shropshire.gov.uk/planningpolicy.nsf/viewAttachments/AWIN-99JGZU/$file/Oswestry-area-samdev-revised-preferred-options-report-2013.pdf
    [ Reply to This ]

Old Oswestry Fort tours, 7th/8th September 2012 by Andy B on Friday, 07 September 2012
(User Info | Send a Message)
Oswestry & Beyond: Oswestry Hillfort

Oswestry Hillfort, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7JU

Oswestry Border History and Archaelogy Group offer two guided tours of Old Oswestry Hillfort - one of the very best of it's kind in the UK.
Opening Times

Friday 7th September: Walk 1900
Saturday 8th September: Walk 1400

Additional information

Max 40 people per walk. You can visit the hillfort outside of guided tours times too. There will be a shuttle bus running during 1000-1600 on the Saturday and Sunday from Oswestry Museum.
Directions

Parking available 'near by' at Gatacre Pavilion; 5-10 minutes walk from the Hillfort. From Gobowen railway station take the bus to Oswestry (approx 15 minute ride) to the bus station. Grid reference: SJ295310 Map link

Organised by Shropshire Council
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Old Oswestry Fort by Anonymous on Friday, 03 August 2012
Is there grazing rights on old oswestry hill fort
[ Reply to This ]

Plans for homes at the foot of hill would stand to ruin historic setting for fort by Andy B on Wednesday, 20 June 2012
(User Info | Send a Message)
Fears for Oswestry hill fort as map earmarks homes

Fears that plans for homes at the foot of an ancient hill fort in Oswestry could ruin its historic setting have spurred residents into action and talks have been held to try and protect it.

Members of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Oswestry Civic Society and OPHAG – an archaeological and historic group in the town – were holding a private meeting today (Weds 20th), to discuss fighting the plans.

Shropshire Council’s SAMDev development plan which outlines potential housing sites suggests 80 new homes off Gobowen Road and 25 at Oldport Farm on Gobowen Road.

Brian Gresham, a member of the civic society, said: “It is a most noticeable historic site and to have a housing estates built within in yards we think is a concern.

“We are having a small private meeting so we can co-ordinate our opposition to this. We have already put in our representations.

“This site is enormously valuable. To build housing up to the edge of it will destroy the view of the top and all around.”

More at
http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/property/2012/06/20/fears-for-oswestry-hill-fort-as-map-earmarks-homes/
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Plans for homes at the foot of hill would stand to ruin historic setting for fort by h_fenton on Sunday, 01 July 2012
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    Just had a quick look at this as someone wanted to use one of my photographs for a report fighting the inclusion in Shropshire Councils Development plan of areas near Old Oswestry Hillfort. The nearest potential development site is Oldport (farm) which is about 90metres from the base of the hillfort (south east of) -- so in this case it would be the redevelopment of an existing site. More land adjacent to the farm 110metres from the base of the hillfort, further land the other side of road and railway from the farm at 250-300metres from the base of the hillfort. 300metres to the southwest of the hillfort is another potential development site.

    http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/planningpolicy.nsf/viewAttachments/AWIN-8VME4N/$file/sites-assessment-oswestry-town.pdf

    Not sure that I can see what everyone is so upset about, my thoughts are that a bit of development around the hillfort within sight of it, makes the hillfort a local focal point which can be appreciated more than somewhere stuck behind a wooded hill out of sight at the northern edge of the town.
    [ Reply to This ]
      Re: Plans for homes at the foot of hill would stand to ruin historic setting for fort by Andy B on Sunday, 01 July 2012
      (User Info | Send a Message)
      That is a fair point but I think my objection would be the density of likely development - ie loads of tiny packed in square box houses. That's a very different density to a farmyard or whatever was there previously.
      [ Reply to This ]

Street View by coldrum on Thursday, 18 March 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)

View Larger Map
[ Reply to This ]

Old Oswestry hillfort on youtube by graemefield on Monday, 04 May 2009
(User Info | Send a Message)
[ Reply to This ]

Iron Age reconstruction underway by Anonymous on Saturday, 02 May 2009
Sharon Walters looks at a project to re-create an Iron Age Roundhouse.

Park Hall is undertaking a major new project for 2009 with the reconstruction of an Iron Age roundhouse built using traditional methods by local crafts men and women.

There is an important local connection to the Iron Age, for just over a kilometre from Park Hall is the site of the Old Oswestry Iron Age Hill Fort, which is one of the finest hill forts in Britain.

Excavations of the Hillfort in 1939/1940 suggest that the earliest settlement dates back to 700BC (Early Iron Age) with evidence of timber built roundhouses on the top of the natural hill.

Facilities

During 2008 a project led by Oswestry Borough Council enhanced facilities at the Hillfort improving access and providing interpretation on site.

Alongside these improvements it seemed an ideal time and opportunity to develop the educational base by building a reconstructed Iron Age Roundhouse within close vicinity to the Hillfort, Park Hall being the chosen site.

In many cases little evidence survives to show the type of dwelling constructed during the Iron Age, because most of the building materials were natural, for example wood, reed and hemp twine.

Through archaeological excavations and basic engineering principles ideas of the shape and structure of roundhouses have emerged.

The roundhouse at Park Hall is the fifth roundhouse to be built my thatching consultant Patrick Hemmingway of Rossett near Chester.

He is being ably assisted on this project by Caroline Lowe of Llanymynech who specialises in basket making and willow weaving and will construct the wattle and daub walls.

The initial stages of the project were laborious because timber and coppiced hazel and willow had to be selected and cut by Patrick and Caroline and brought to the site.

Once the construction work began the roundhouse soon started to take shape.

Firstly Patrick put in the posts then Caroline was able to weave the hazel and willow for the walls.

The next stage was for Patrick to add the wall plates and he is presently assembling the roof rafters, which give the first real impression of the shape of the roundhouse.

The construction is of course a ‘work in progress’ and visitors to Park Hall can see each stage as it progresses. The expected completion date is mid/end of May.

While this is happening the farm continues its activities as usual offering lamb feeding twice a day alongside all the other animal activities such as pony grooming, stroking rabbits, feeding pigs or hand milking the cow.

Apart from the animal activities there are massive indoor play-barns, several outdoor adventure areas and a whole host of driving activities for kids.

Further information can be found at http://www.parkhallfarm.co.uk

Source:
http://www.shropshirestar.com/2009/03/14/iron-age-reconstruction-underway/
[ Reply to This ]

New Round House being built at Park Hall Farm Countryside Experience by Andy B on Thursday, 19 March 2009
(User Info | Send a Message)
Just over a kilometre from Old Oswestry Hillfort is Park Hall Farm Countryside Experience who write:

To complement the development of the facilities and educational interpretation of the Hillfort we are delighted to be building a reconstruction of an Iron Age Roundhouse which was a typical dwelling of an Iron Age community.

The construction of the roundhouse will be very much 'a work in progress' it will take several months to complete. The construction is of course a specialist skill, so to build the roundhouse we have enlisted the talent of Thatching Consultant Patrick Hemmingway from Rossett near Chester who has built another roundhouse near Brymbo, Wrexham.

More with photos at http://www.parkhallfarm.co.uk/iron-age-roundhouse/index.shtml



[ Reply to This ]

Old Oswestry Hill Fort Community Project by coldrum on Friday, 16 May 2008
(User Info | Send a Message)
Web site:

http://www.shrop.net/oldoswestryhillfort/
[ Reply to This ]

Old Oswestry Hill Fort Seminar, 15th September by Andy B on Thursday, 06 September 2007
(User Info | Send a Message)
The first of a series of events connected with the Old Oswestry Hill fort Project will be a seminar in Oswestry on the 15th September. It will provide an opportunity to place one of the most impressive Iron Age Hill forts in the whole of Britain in its local context and will form the basis for an even more comprehensive conference in 2008.

Contributions to include:-

Old Oswestry hill fort and its place in the Shropshire Iron Age -

Shelagh Lewis

Recent survey work on six hill forts in north east Wales - Fiona Gale

Drink the view, sense the tribe - An interpretation of the views from the hill forts of the Northern Marches. - David Matthews

The Enigma of Wat's Dyke and its relationship to Old Oswestry.-Margaret Worthington

Details of the Programme and ticket information -

http://www.oswestry-history.co.uk/hill-fort-seminar.html

Old Oswestry Hill Fort Community Project website -

http://www.shrop.net/oldoswestryhillfort
[ Reply to This ]

Re: English Heritage Link by VirtHist on Wednesday, 25 July 2007
(User Info | Send a Message)
This site, dating form the Bronze Age is in desperate need of this work. It is as impressive and important as Maiden Castle but visitors at present have to beware of the vast quantity of dog poo at the site and there is nothing to tell you what you are standing on... apart from the smell of dog poo on your boot!

A few hundred years ago the summit was covered with trees and Canadian troops stationed at nearby Park Hall Camp used part of it for digging trenches and setting off explosives during WWI. During WWII the summit was used to grow food for the war effort and it wasn't until after the war that the last of the trees were felled.

Here is a link to a panoramic VR of the site:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/panoramic/old_oswestry/index.shtml
[ Reply to This ]

Re: English Heritage Link by VirtHist on Tuesday, 24 July 2007
(User Info | Send a Message)
We hoping to be part of this development, maybe doing some reconstructions. Either way, it's great news for this fort this very large important site!
[ Reply to This ]

Lottery cash for hill fort by coldrum on Thursday, 21 June 2007
(User Info | Send a Message)
Lottery cash for hill fort

“One of the best hill forts in the world” in Oswestry is set for a £200,000 upgrade in order to open it up for visitors.

The money will be used at The Old Oswestry Hill Fort in order to fund a project which will see new paths and a better entrance at the impressive 40-acre site, which is nationally important and dominates the surrounding landscape.

Peter Wilson, of Oswestry Borough Council, which has been awarded the cash, said: “We really want to improve the whole experience for visitors to this magnificent hill fort.

“This money will allow us to improve the paths and access, as well as highlighting the folklore and archaeology of the site through interpretation, leaflets and an education pack.”

There are also plans for costumed guides to welcome visitors and bring to life aspects of the hill fort’s history since it was first fortified more than 2,000 years ago.

Mr Wilson said: “At the moment the ramparts are suffering from soil erosion and are steep or overgrown, making it difficult to explore, except for very agile visitors.

“By creating new paths we will be able to stop further damage and allow much more access to the fort by everyone who wants to visit.”

Oswestry Hill Fort project officer Maggie Rowlands said: “It’s one of the best hill forts in the world and the second best in Britain after Maiden Castle in Dorset.

“Work should be finished by next June and the education part, guided walks and links with schools will kick off and will be long term.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £47,000 to the project.

HLF regional manager Anne Jenkins said: “There is such an interesting past associated with this impressive hill fort over the last 2,000 years. What we see today gives just a hint of that rich history.

“But this new project will help reveal the stories and way of life to visitors and make it much easier to enjoy their experience.”

Oswestry Borough Council has secured grants for the project from the European Regional Development Fund, Wren, Oswestry Town Council, English Heritage and Breathing Places to help bring the project to life.

http://www.shropshirestar.co.uk/2007/06/lottery-cash-for-hill-fort/

shropshirestar.
[ Reply to This ]

English Heritage Link by coldrum on Tuesday, 19 June 2007
(User Info | Send a Message)
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.349
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Famous Hill Fort may get more cash by Nick- on Wednesday, 02 August 2006
(User Info | Send a Message)
The curse of the digital camera is battery life! (Oh, back to the old days, it used to be a hobby of mine ruining photos, some years after the 'Old Oswestry experience' I went to Valle crucis abbey ruins, near Llangollen, in the morning; after snowfall, took some excellent photos (stunning..).This time there was film in the camera, but I'd used it once already........

I hope they are not going to ruin that hillfort with over-development, not only is a 'visitor centre' a possible danger(depends how they do it), but also housing development itself near the fort-Oswestry is right at the edge of it.
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Famous Hill Fort may get more cash by Nick- on Wednesday, 02 August 2006
(User Info | Send a Message)
I used to visit this hillfort a lot, and remember it before the new A5 ('bypass') opened in 1986, it used to be a lot quieter......

In January or February 1986, I visited Old Oswestry at midnight under a full moon and starry sky.There had been some moderate snowfall, the fort was gleaming white, it's contours crystal clear under the moon. I had my camera, and took quite a few photos.......

Got home and found there was no film in the camera..........
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Famous Hill Fort may get more cash by TimPrevett on Wednesday, 02 August 2006
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    arghhhhhh no! That happened with my first visit to Moel Ty Uchaf, when my lad was just 19 days old. His first (wonderful) ancient site... and the film hadn't loaded. Also my dad's 50th was the same... (now that really *did* upset me. ah well, in some ways we should be grateful for the age of the digital camera.

    I need to revisit here with a fresh eye and my better camera, and replace these pics.
    [ Reply to This ]

Famous Hill Fort may get more cash by Andy B on Wednesday, 02 August 2006
(User Info | Send a Message)
A proposed £180,000 development of Oswestry Hill Fort looks set to boost its tourism appeal by improving access for visitors and the disabled.

“The hill fort has been identified as a priority for sensitive development in order to enhance its tourism value,” said the borough council’s principal economic and community development officer, Helen Minnice, last week.

In her letter to the council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee, she added that a pre-meeting had already been held with English Heritage, looking at the possibility of developing the hill fort and they agreed that it is a site which has been neglected in the past and requires sensitive interpretation and improved access for the disabled.

More:
http://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/titlesites2/readarchive.asp?storyid=41784&officeid=4
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Old Oswestry Fort by Andy B on Thursday, 07 October 2004
(User Info | Send a Message)
Another BBC Shropshire link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/history/2003/12/old_oswestry.shtml
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Old Oswestry Fort by Andy B on Thursday, 07 October 2004
(User Info | Send a Message)
Aerial photo and info:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/history/2004/01/gallery_hill_forts_07.shtml
[ Reply to This ]

Your Name: Anonymous [ Register Now ]
Subject:


Add your comment or contribution to this page. Spam or offensive posts are deleted immediately, don't even bother

<<< What is five plus one as a number? (Please type the answer to this question in the little box on the left)
You can also embed videos and other things. For Youtube please copy and paste the 'embed code'.
For Google Street View please include Street View in the text.
Create a web link like this: <a href="https://www.megalithic.co.uk">This is a link</a>  

Allowed HTML is:
<p> <b> <i> <a> <img> <em> <br> <strong> <blockquote> <tt> <li> <ol> <ul> <object> <param> <embed> <iframe>
We would like to know more about this location. Please feel free to add a brief description and any relevant information in your own language.
Wir möchten mehr über diese Stätte erfahren. Bitte zögern Sie nicht, eine kurze Beschreibung und relevante Informationen in Deutsch hinzuzufügen.
Nous aimerions en savoir encore un peu sur les lieux. S'il vous plaît n'hesitez pas à ajouter une courte description et tous les renseignements pertinents dans votre propre langue.
Quisieramos informarnos un poco más de las lugares. No dude en añadir una breve descripción y otros datos relevantes en su propio idioma.