Hod Hill

I've set myself a mission this year to visit all of Dorsets' hillforts. Over the years I've visited many of them, although many more I haven't and that situation needs addressing. Today it was the turn of Hod Hill out to the north-west of Blandford and on the hill adjacent to another well known hillfort, Hambledon Hill.  In fact Hambledon Hills fortification were deserted in favour of Hod Hill about 300BC, and having visited the two it's easy to see why. Hambledon Hills ramparts and ditches, magnificent as they are, only enclose a narrow occupation area which is far from level, whereas Hod Hill encloses a substantial 54 acres occupation area and is much more level. When fully occupied it contained around 250 round houses and associated structures.

It was captured by the Romans in 44AD as they swept west, after a siege and battle, evidence of which was discovered during archaeological excavations in the 1950's. A large number of 'ballista' bolts (substantial metal tipped arrows fired from a large mounted static crossbow) were recovered, and appeared to be focused on one particular large and palisaded building within the ramparts, possibly that of the tribal leader. Once captured and abandoned by its Durotrigion inhabitants, the Romans created a fort in the north-west corner. This variation on the standard square Roman fort (although utilizing the hillforts ramparts and ditches on two sides) is one of the best preserved Roman forts in the country. During the time it was occupied it housed around 500 foot soldiers (a cohort)  and 200 cavalry in support. The fort was not long lived though, being abandoned in 51AD as the frontier moved under the onslaught of the Legions.

Hod Hill is not a very steep hill compared with others in the area, although does have one very steep which runs down to the River Stour. Hod Hill is one of several hillforts sited in close proximity to the River Stour, which would have been ideal for transporting goods and people between hillforts. There's an entrance to the Roman fort in its north-west corner known as the 'water gate' as it's suggested the Roman cavalry used it to access the river in order to water their horses (how this is known I'm uncertain).

Hod Hill is worth a visit in any season: in the winter it's bracing, in the summer it's perfect for a picnic, although a favourite time for me is the end of April into May when the ramparts and interior are covered in Cowslips.