Hill Forts

A number of hill forts can be seen in Penwith. It is not fully known what these forts were used for. It seems that some of them were permanently occupied, while others were not. Archaelogical evidence cannot tell if they were permanently occupied or not, but a good indicator is whether there is an available water supply. A water supply was vital if the fort was to be permanently occupied.

Forts defences are typically banks and ditches, but as these features are earthworks, over time the ditches have filled and the banks eroded. The defence features are now less prominent.

Some forts, such as Chun Castle, used stone. In these cases the defences are better preserved. The only problem over the years is that stone has been robbed for the construction of new  buildings.

Chun Castle  SW405339

An Iron Age fortress that was more than likely permanently occupied as it had its own water supply a well. The fort must have been a formidable site before it was sadely pillaged for its stone.

The fort has a circumference of 90 metres and was comprised of two thick walls and two lines of defensive ditches. The remains of the walls in places reach two metres in height, however originally they may have been up to 6 metres and 5 metres thick. The first ditch surrounded the outer wall, the second the inner wall, these features are difficult to pick out, especially the latter which has been completely filled and hence obliterated. The enterance to the fort can still be seen, easily picked out by the two standing stones that stand on either side of it.

There were two periods of occupation the first ending in the first century AD, the second starting in more troubled times after the Romans left Britain. Under the second occupation the fort underwent modification in its stonework to improve its defensive capabilities. During this period huts were built within the fort.

Evidence has been found which include smelting pits which show that the fort was involved in the production of tin.

Chun Castle

Trencrom Castle  SW517363

Trencom is an Iron Age Fort containing circular stone huts. The fort is situated on top of a very steep hilltop. The name Trencom is Cornish for farm of the crooked hill, named after a farm bordering it.

Trencom has a unditched rampart which takes advantage of the natural rocky outcrops. Traces of both the rampart and huts can still be seen.

It is likely to be have occupied in times of strife as it is well protected. Finds at the site show two periods of occupation, two polished greenstone axes and pottery sherds from the Iron age and later grassmarked pottery sherds from the 8TH Century.

There is a small car park at the site. From the car park its is a steep climb to the fort, but well worth a visit for its spectacular views. The Cornish Gorsedd was held here in 1953.

Trencrom Castle

At Trencrom's Summit