Deep Footprints

       Between the patchwork plains of Shropshire and the hill country of Wales a land bridge occupies a unique place in the story of my Jones ancestors. At any rate, land can be defined as a portion of the earth's surface distinguishable by boundaries or ownership.  Beginning with open spaces, the first to arrive could claim a right to occupy or settle this land. It is fairly certain that this land bridge was empty spaces until the last ice curtain began to melt. The ice age folks arrived first, most likely following the animal's paths to the greener grass on the other side of the hill. Thousands of years rolled past for these hunters and gatherers until bronze became useful and the plow became a tool for more permanent occupation. A few more years past until iron became the metal of choice around the place. Now it was around 500 B.C. to 400 B.C. my Celtic ancestors arrived to set boundaries or claim land ownership in and around this land bridge.

      Strategically placed in the center of this land bridge was Hen Dinas (Old Oswestry Hill Fort).  The occupation of this hill site some 500 feet above the land below, probably followed the same pattern of settlement as described above.  According to Williams in his hillfort guide [shown last post] p. 191, evidence of the occupation of this site dates to before 500 B.C.  Timber round houses existed and was probably un-fortified at first.  The fortification pattern changed dramatically going from a 15 acres enclosure to more than 56 acres. (same page as before)  Williams describes it "...the best documented hillfort, on site". The population during this expansion was estimated to be between 200-350 folks. Wow, imagine taking all these folks out to lunch!

      Conceptually several things need to be considered. First, there was no evidence of a battle taking place. Say what! All this time and no fighting identified?  Secondly, the hillfort was surrounded by a complex system of fields and farms (much like today). Thirdly, there had to be some form of cooperation between all those involved leading to a mutual administrative, trade, and possibly religious activity. Finally, there was a series of symmetrical, rectangular constructions facing the western edge of the fort which have not been found in any other hillfort of the time. Several suggestions as to their purpose have been made [p.192 Williams's text]. The following figure shows my outline of the hillfort using a satellite image from more resent times.

     The deep footprints of the rectangle structures are shown facing west. My thoughts as to their purposes are yet to come.