Ringsbury Camp - Structure

Structure

Ringsbury is a multivallate fort as it has a double-banked structure. In all about 8 acres (32,000 m2) are enclosed by the surrounding walls. The fort sits at the brow of a hill with excellent views of the surrounding areas, particularly to the south, west and north. There is less of an incline towards the east. It is believed that to ensure visibility was not impeded the builders cleared all areas, but certainly the land towards the west, from trees. The banks are made from limestone rubble 1. These are not local rocks, thus suggesting building material was transported to the camp from further afield. The stones from the banks are very light, and are known as 'blood stones'. A reason for the lightness of the rocks was apparently due to blood soaking into the stones when they were used as missiles during battles; however, nowadays chemical weathering - carbonation - of the limestone is thought to account for their light mass.