This selection of slides is not representative of the range of sites, but reflects the types of sites which are easily visited and where significant traces of structures and features can still be seen. Iron Age (700B.C. to A.D. 43) sites are mainly defended settlements, as these leave the most visible traces on the modern landscape.Butser Iron Age Farm: Reconstructions of Iron Age round houses at Butser Iron Age Farm in Hampshire. These are based on examples excavated from southern England, but the round house with a presumably thatched roof was widespread in Bronze Age and Iron Age Britain.
Courtyard Houses: On the southwest peninsula, especially in Cornwall, courtyard houses were constructed, with buildings surrounded by a wall and facing into an enclosed compound. In this example from Chysauster the entrances to various buildings can be seen opening on to a small courtyard in the foreground.
Hillforts: In some areas of Britain Iron Age communities constructed defended hilltop settlements known as hillforts. Areas enclosed by hillforts typically ranged from one to ten hectares. These seem to have been permanently occupied central places, probably controlled by a chief, and dominating a small region of dispersed farmsteads. This view shows the rampart at Cissbury Hill (Sussex) in the foreground, and a neighbouring, much smaller hillfort, at Chanctonbury Ring marked by trees on the horizon. The steps up the rampart are modern. Borrow pits for construction materials for the rampart can be seen to the left of the rampart (i.e. on the inner side).
Maiden Castle: One of the largest hillforts is Maiden Castle (Dorset). The occupied area was about 25 hectares, but about another 15 hectares was covered by defensive structures. The first view shows the first (right) and second (left) ramparts, separated by a massive ditch. Fenceposts and a human figure give some idea of scale. A view across the inner area shows massive ramparts to the south (right) and an earlier rampart running across the image in the distance. A final view emphasises the size and area of the ramparts. (The fence in the foreground and distant trees give an idea of the scale).
Brochs: Many Iron Age settlements were defended, and different regions developed their own styles in response to local traditions and available materials. The brochs of northern Scotland consist of a circular wall, enclosing an open circular courtyard in which domestic buildings were erected. The first picture shows the circular outer wall of Broch of Gurness (Orkney) to the left, and a defensive outer ditch in the foreground. Brochs were often located in defensible positions, as is the case of Midhowe Broch which is defended by the sea and a natural wavecut fissure (foreground) as well as an artificial ditch on the landward side. Other views of this site show the defended entrance, the double wall construction with an interior passage, and interior structures.