Scheduled MonumentsEnglandMaiden Castle promontory fort

Maiden Castle promontory fort

England
List entry 1008844
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Maiden Castle is a promontory fort located in Durham, England, comprising a defensive earthwork that exploits a naturally elevated and strategically positioned headland. The monument dates to the Iron Age and represents a form of settlement and defensive structure characteristic of the later prehistoric period in northern Britain. The fort is defined by substantial banks and ditches that cut across the promontory, creating a fortified enclosure that would have controlled access to the headland and provided a position of considerable tactical advantage. Such promontory forts are understood to have served functions ranging from defended settlements to seasonal refuges or cattle enclosures during the Iron Age.

Maiden Castle promontory fort is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1008844. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Maiden Castle promontory fort?

Maiden Castle is a promontory fort located in Durham, England, comprising a defensive earthwork that exploits a naturally elevated and strategically positioned headland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1008844.

Who is responsible for protecting Maiden Castle promontory fort?

Maiden Castle promontory fort is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1008844.

What other scheduled monuments are near Maiden Castle promontory fort?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Elvet Bridge (1 km), The Water Gate (1.1 km), Prebend's Bridge (1.2 km).

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