Stanwick

Largest late Iron Age earthwork fortification in Britain, in Richmond, Yorkshire, once called the largest 'hillfort'. It was constructed in the 1st century AD, probably in three phases. Phase I was a hillfort, which was partly demolished in Phase II (c 50-60) when a larger enclosure was added at the north. In Phase III (c 72), it was greatly enlarge to enclose the south side. Stanwick was probably a center of the Celtic Brigantes, an Iron Age tribe which always had a strong anti-Roman faction and was in rebellion between 50-70 AD. A hoard of Celtic metal objects, mainly chariot gear of the 1st century AD, was found close to the earthworks. The whole complex may have been designed to protect not only the people, but also the livestock - including horses - of a basically pastoralist economy. Some time between 69-72, Stanwick fell to the Romans and the site was abandoned. It is now thought to be an enclosed private estate or demesne containing residential compounds.

The largest Iron Age hillfort in Britain, situated near Richmond, Yorkshire. It appears to have been constructed entirely in the 1st century ad and is interpreted by the excavator, Sir Mortimer Wheeler, as the capital of the Brigantes tribe, constructed by their leader, Venutius, for his revolt against the Romans after ad 50. The site began as a small fortified enclosure known as the Tofts and not very long afterwards an extension of c50 hectares was added, defended by a stonefaced rampart and a wide flat-bottomed ditch with vertical sides, cut in the solid rock. Still later a further 240 hectares was included in a new enclosure to the south, which was never completed. The whole complex may have been designed to protect not only the people, but also the livestock—including horses—of a basically pastoralist economy. Some time between ad 69 and 72 Stanwick fell to the Romans and the site was abandoned.