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Phase 1: 400 BC
Wandlebury Iron Age hillfort occupies a prominent position below the crest on the south facing slope of Gog Magog Hill. Although Neolithic and bronze age hill-top occupation is known from finds of pottery and stone artefacts, the form of the settlement is unclear. However, in the 5th century BC one settlement concentrated on what is now the southern third of Varley's Field, where large groups of storage pits were cut into the chalk bedrock, over an area of at least 150 sq. m..
Around 400 BC the first hillfort was constructed, cutting through the earlier settlement which appears to have continued both outside and inside the rampart. The hillfort consisted of a substantial outer ditch and an inner rampart bank of chalk rubble and soil, enclosing a circular area of about 6 ha. A recent archaeological survey suggests that there was a major entranceway to the east. This display of earthmoving and enclosure signifies both a centralised control of local human resources, and a powerful stronghold following a tradition widely seen across north-western Europe at this time.
Phase 2: 50 BC
In the 1st century BC a second ditch and bank circuit was dug on the inner side of the first rampart. At the same time, the outer ditch was cleaned out with this material forming a low counterscarp bank around the perimeter. Settlement contemporary with the hillfort appears to have shifted southwards, downslope, and other similar circular enclosure sites had been constructed nearby at War ditches, Cherry Hinton and Arbury on the north side of Cambridge.
Considerable evidence of Roman occupation has been found within the eastern entranceway of the hillfort and beneath the site of Gog Magog House, but no direct evidence of buildings has yet been found.
Phase 3: 1685- today
From the end of the Roman period, around AD 410, until the 10th century AD, we know very little about the use of the former hillfort. However, documents record that the place had been named by the Anglo Saxons--Wendlesbiri--and it was used as an important meeting place of nine administrative districts known as Hundreds.
In about 1685 a racing stable was built inside the old hillfort for King James II which was later acquired by Francis, 2nd Earl of Godolphin, in the 1730s. He created a major racing stable, also building a substantial house and garden, during which time the inner rampart and ditch of the hillfort were levelled. So major were these changes that the hillfort is only just about recognisable today, hidden by trees and shrubs, but as you enjoy the shaded circular walk remember that your path leads along a ditch of an Iron Age hillfort which once stood conspicuously on the edge of the hill, surrounded by its own landscape of fields and buildings.
Publications
Want to know more about the history of Wandlebury? The Cambridge Preservation Society has published a full history by Wendy Clark: Once around Wandlebury, priced £7.
In addition we also have:
Wendy Clark's 'The Godolphin Arabian', a history of Wandlebury's world famous stallion, price £3.00.
Landscape Historian, Twigs Way's 'The Lost Gardens of Wandlebury'. Price £3.00
For details contact the office - address and contact numbers on our Home Page.
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