Many travelers drive along the A44 from Kington to Llandrindod. However, few realize they pass through one of the most significant Neolithic discoveries in the UK. Nestled beyond the hills, within the stunning landscape of the Walton Basin, lies the mysterious site of the Hindwell Enclosure. Though much of this ancient location remains hidden from view, its historical significance is undeniable.
An Intriguing Location
This remarkable site raises many questions—why did Neolithic people choose this particular place? What purpose did it serve? Despite its historical importance, the Hindwell Enclosure remains relatively unknown, which is astonishing given its extraordinary past. Dating back to the Neolithic period, this prehistoric monument showcases the ingenuity of early societies. It offers invaluable insights into the agricultural communities of ancient Britain. Indeed, the site deserves far greater recognition.
A Brief History of the Hindwell Enclosure
The Hindwell Enclosure was first recognized in the 1970s through aerial photography. This revealed a massive, circular area that piqued the interest of archaeologists. Subsequent excavations showed that the site covers over 35 hectares (approximately 86 acres), making it one of the largest Neolithic enclosures ever discovered in the UK.
Archaeologists believe this enclosure was constructed around 3000 BCE. This was a time when communities were transitioning from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to more settled, agrarian ways of living. The sheer scale of the Hindwell Enclosure suggests it held enormous significance for the people who built it.
Architecture and Design
One of the most remarkable features of the Hindwell Enclosure is its vast perimeter, marked by a ditch and bank structure. Such earthworks are typical of many Neolithic enclosures. However, the size of the Hindwell Enclosure is exceptional. The outer ditch was originally up to 4 meters deep in some places. This vast area indicates that the site could have been a major focal point for the local population.
Interestingly, archaeologists have found evidence of timber posts within the enclosure. This leads to speculation that a wooden palisade or ceremonial structure may have once stood here. Some suggest this site could have been used for gatherings, rituals, or possibly even as a marketplace. Here, people from surrounding communities met to exchange goods, ideas, and cultural practices. It’s thought that these massive wooden posts would have also been charred.
What Was the Enclosure Used For?
While the exact purpose of the Hindwell Enclosure remains a subject of debate, it certainly held considerable importance to Neolithic communities. Its monumental scale and strategic location in the fertile Walton Basin suggest it may have played a central role in the daily lives of local people.
Ceremonial Center?
One possibility is that the enclosure served as a ceremonial center. Neolithic societies placed great importance on rituals and communal gatherings. Large enclosures like Hindwell may have been built to host these significant events. Nearby monuments, such as four stones, support this theory. This site is a nice example of a 'four poster,' commonly found in Scotland but rare in Wales or England. The four stones form a small ring and were once misidentified as the remains of a burial chamber. One of the blocks to the southwest has three possible cupmarks. Additionally, the presence of burial mounds strengthens the idea that this area was a crucial ceremonial landscape.
Practical Function?
Another theory posits the Hindwell Enclosure may have served a more practical function. Its location in the Walton Basin—a fertile area surrounded by hills—made it an ideal spot for agriculture. Thus, the enclosure might have been a hub for local farming communities, where they came to share resources, protect livestock, or trade surplus crops.
Hindwell and the Broader Neolithic Landscape
The Hindwell Enclosure is just one of several significant archaeological sites in the Walton Basin. Nearby, one can find the remains of other Neolithic monuments, including the smaller enclosure at Walton Court and another possible standing stone known as the Hindwell Stone. Look northwest for The Whimble hill and east for Burfa Bank, which share similar shapes with the stone. These sites, together with the Hindwell Enclosure, portray a landscape that was densely occupied.
The proximity of these monuments indicates that this region was a key center of activity during the Neolithic period. The presence of multiple enclosures, burial mounds, and standing stones within a relatively small area suggests that the Walton Basin was not just a settlement. It likely served as a focal point for spirituality, communal gatherings, and possibly even long-distance trade networks.
Recent Discoveries and Ongoing Research
Recent advances in archaeological technology have allowed researchers to uncover more about the Hindwell Enclosure and its surrounding landscape. Geophysical surveys and further excavations have revealed additional features, including postholes, hearths, and pits. These findings provide new insights into how the site was used and inhabited over time.
Subsequent discoveries of pottery, tools, and animal bones suggest people may have lived within or nearby the enclosure. This blurs the lines between its ceremonial and domestic functions. Ongoing research continues to unveil the complexities of this enigmatic site. As new findings emerge, we shall gain a clearer understanding of the lives of the people who once called this place home.
Visiting the Hindwell Enclosure
Today, much of the Hindwell Enclosure lies buried beneath the fields of the Walton Basin. Yet, the landscape offers a beautiful setting for visitors. The rolling hills and open farmland provide a peaceful backdrop for anyone interested in exploring the region’s rich history. The enclosure might not be as visually striking as some ancient monuments. However, its scale and significance are awe-inspiring when you consider the effort it took to construct such a massive structure over 5,000 years ago.
If you plan to visit, consider experiencing the Hindwell Enclosure as part of a broader tour of archaeological sites in the Walton Basin. The nearby stone circles (four stones) and burial mounds, combined with the breathtaking scenery, make this area ideal for history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and anyone passionate about Britain’s ancient past.
Looking towards the Walton Basin from 'Water Breaks It's Neck,' the Hindwell Enclosure stands as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural importance of the Neolithic people who once thrived in this area. As one of the largest and most mysterious prehistoric monuments in Britain, it invites exploration of a time when communities began to take root, cultivating the land and establishing the first traces of society.
There is also a suspected standing stone within St. Stephen’s Church in Old Radnor. This site is well worth visiting for history enthusiasts. The Old Radnor Church Standing Stone is found in the large, elevated circular churchyard. It offers stunning views over the Walton Basin to the north. Nearby, you’ll find the Hindwell Cursus, numerous barrows, and the Kinnerton stone circle— all within a few miles. This unusual monument has been repurposed as a gravestone with an inscription dating back to 1931. Its true antiquity remains uncertain. However, it wouldn’t be the first instance of a Christian site developing around a megalith. Inside the church, just beyond the south door, there’s a massive font believed to have been carved from a standing stone. Additionally, two more stones thought to be of similar origin are built into the church's exterior wall.
The Hindwell Enclosure is a remarkable testament to the scale and sophistication of Neolithic communities in Britain. Although its precise purpose remains unclear, its size and strategic location indicate it played a significant role in prehistoric society. Surrounded by other ancient monuments, the enclosure highlights the Walton Basin as a key hub of Neolithic activity. As research continues, new discoveries may reveal more about the people who built this vast structure, deepening our understanding of Britain’s ancient past.
Thank you to Mat Price for providing the beautiful aerial photographs of the Basin. For more stunning work, see his portfolio here.
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