Pulpit Hill

The small multivallate hillfort on Pulpit Hill forms part of a series of defended sites established along the Chiltern ridge during the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age.

The monument is very well preserved retaining the complete circuit of defences and the entrance, and the limited 19th century excavation, while causing little disturbance, has demonstrated the presence of occupation evidence.

The hillfort’s commanding position demonstrates not only defensive power, but also the status of its former inhabitants. The relationship between the hillfort and the later land boundary is also of interest as it implies the adaptive reuse of part of the defences in a way which may illustrate part of the medieval or post-medieval rural economy.

Fragments of Early Iron Age pottery have been found in the area more recently, as well as fragments of daub, a socketed iron spearhead, a knife blade (probably Roman) and numerous worked flints which suggest earlier, Neolithic or Bronze Age, activity on the spur.

Postcode

HP27 0NB

Facilities & accessibility

Full access (National Trust)