by munki-boy
Ivinghoe Beacon Hill
Ivinghoe Beacon Hill, located at the northern end of the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire, is a site of exceptional historical and natural significance. It is most renowned for the remains of a slight univallate hillfort and a substantial bowl barrow, both of which highlight the area’s rich prehistoric heritage. Positioned on the summit of Beacon Hill, the site offers commanding views of the surrounding countryside, underscoring its importance as a strategic and ceremonial location throughout history.
The hillfort, dating back to the early 6th century BC, occupies approximately 2.2 hectares at the hill’s summit, forming a roughly triangular enclosure. Its defences follow the 200m contour line and consist of a scarp averaging 2m high with a ditch or berm approximately 6m wide. The fort’s design reflects the ingenuity of Early Iron Age pastoral communities, who likely used the site for both defensive purposes and social gatherings. Finds from past explorations, including Early Iron Age pottery and bronze implements, indicate that the hillfort was constructed during a transitional period when bronze tools were still in use alongside Iron Age cultural practices.
The site also features a significant bowl barrow, situated within the north-western quarter of the hillfort. This barrow, part of the Beacon Hill barrow cemetery, survives as a flat-topped mound measuring 23m in diameter and 1.6m in height, surrounded by a 4m-wide ditch. The barrow’s presence suggests that the area held ceremonial or funerary importance long before the hillfort was established, adding layers of historical depth to the site.
Beyond its archaeological value, Ivinghoe Beacon Hill is a beloved natural landmark. It serves as a starting or finishing point for the Ridgeway National Trail, one of Britain’s oldest walking routes. The chalk grassland habitat supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Rare butterfly species, wildflowers, and panoramic views draw visitors year-round.
Whether exploring its ancient past or enjoying its striking natural beauty, Ivinghoe Beacon Hill offers a unique connection to the history and landscape of the Chilterns, standing as a testament to the enduring relationship between people and their environment over millennia.
Created: 28 December 2024 Edited: 12 February 2025
Ivinghoe Beacon Hill
Ivinghoe Beacon Hill LiDAR Map
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Local History around Ivinghoe Beacon Hill
There are some historic monuments around including:
Romano-British settlement and earthworks on Berkhamsted CommonBowl barrow on Ivinghoe Hills, 240m south of Ivinghoe Beacon trig pillar: part of the Beacon Hill round barrow cemeteryA medieval warren on Dunstable DownsA small multivallate hillfort on Southend HillBowl barrow on Ivinghoe Hills, 460m south of Ivinghoe Beacon trig pillar: part of the Beacon Hill round barrow cemeteryRoman settlement at the Cow Roast InnStool BaulkTwo barrows at Bridgewater MonumentButler's Manor moated siteBowl barrow on Ivinghoe Hills, 480m south of Ivinghoe Beacon trig pillar: part of the Beacon Hill round barrow cemeteryBarn and fishpond and moated site with dovecote at Church FarmA slight univallate hillfort and bowl barrow on Ivinghoe Beacon HillBowl barrow in Turlhanger's Wood, 320m south east of Northfield GrangeBowl barrow on Gallows Hill 180m south-east of Beacon LodgeTilsworth Manor moated siteSite of Roman villa E of churchMoated site, Moat FarmBell barrow on Moneybury Hill, 500m NNE of the Bridgewater Monument.Earthwork at Wards CoombeTotternhoe Castle: a motte and bailey castle, medieval quarries and cultivation terracesIcehouse 320m south west of Ashridge CollegeMoated site 90m north east of Ashby VillasFive Knolls round barrow cemetery: three bell barrows, two bowl barrows and two pond barrows on Dunstable DownBowl barrow in Aldbury Nowers wood, 280m south east of Northfield GrangeMaiden Bower hillfortBerkhamsted Common Romano-British villa, dyke and templeBowl barrow 950m SSW of Nettleden LodgeWarren Knoll: a motte castle reused as a warrenBowl barrow on Ivinghoe Beacon Hill, 230m east of Ivinghoe Beacon trig pillar: part of the Beacon Hill round barrow cemeteryPark Farm moated site, deer park and fishpondsBowl barrow 900m SSW of Nettleden LodgeHertfordshire Grim's Ditch: 1350m long section between Kiln Road and Chesham RoadRoman site on Moneybury Hill.
