Brent Knoll Hillfort
East Brent, Somerset, United Kingdom
A hillfort above the Somerset Levels with evidence of Iron Age and Roman activity. Medieval quarrying altered its interior, while the date of parts of the surviving defences remains uncertain.
History
Brent Knoll rises above the Somerset Levels, where its isolated position would have been particularly striking before extensive drainage. Ramparts and a lower defensive terrace enclose the summit, with an entrance on the eastern side. Iron Age pottery confirms prehistoric activity, while Roman pottery, coins and building material indicate later use. The antiquary John Skinner undertook small excavations between 1812 and 1830 and recorded occupation debris, including painted plaster and foundation stones. Medieval quarrying substantially altered the interior, although areas remain intact. The surviving defences have not been securely dated and may include later rebuilding. Suggestions of occupation after the Roman period remain uncertain because diagnostic fifth- to seventh-century finds have not been identified. Arthurian associations belong to later tradition and should be distinguished from the archaeological evidence for the hillfort.
Period: Iron Age with Roman activity; possible later reuse
Grid reference: ST 34124 51021
Protection: Scheduled monument
Source: Historic England, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1008248 (Open Government Licence). © Historic England 2026. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2026.
Banner photo: "Brent Knoll hillfort - geograph.org.uk - 7845145" by Sandy Gerrard, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 2.0.