Beacons in the Landscape: The Hillforts of England, Wales, and the Isle of Man (2nd edition)

REVIEW BY GEORGE NASH

One of the most impressive archaeological site-types in the British Isles is the Iron Age hillfort. Archaeological evidence has shown that it took many generations to construct and remodel these structures. Even after Roman occupation, hillforts continued to play a significant role in shaping the various landscapes that they dominated.

Beacons in the Landscape is divided into four well-crafted sections: ā€˜The ā€œelusiveā€ hillfort’, ā€˜Defining the space’, ā€˜Hillfort and society’, and ā€˜Hillforts’. Each of these sections not only provides the reader with a detailed description of notable hillforts throughout England, Wales, and the Isle of Man, but also deals with various aspects of hillfort construction, their distinct regional character, use, and setting within the landscape.

This lavishly illustrated second edition will be an important contribution to hillfort studies, especially for those who have an interest in the archaeology of later prehistory of southern Britain.

Ian Brown
Windgather Press, £26
ISBN 978-1911188759