During the Iron Age the northern end of the site was fortified by a combination of ditches and ramparts. The hill could then be used as a military camp in times of war. In peaceful times, farmers, craftsman, nobles and their families would have lived and traded inside the hill fort, living in round timber houses.
A Roman building once stood on the hill. Probably a villa, however the presence of 18 burial mounds (one of the largest barrow cemeteries in the country) has lead to theories that a temple or a religious complex existed on the site.
The Saxons and Vikings appeared to have continued to use the site for burials. Several Viking weapons have been discovered on the site, presumably from burials.
In 1801 the Enclosures Act saw the destruction of much of the archaeology. This was when the hedges were planted and the site ploughed.
The BBC began broadcasting from the site in 1925. From 1932 the BBC Empire Service (now the BBC World Service) was broadcast from Borough Hill. The radio announcement of "Daventry calling" made Daventry well-known across the world.
The BBC station is now closed and Borough hill is a large area of public grassland. A good place to go for excellent views of the surrounding district and a relaxing walk.
How to find us
Borough Hill, Daventry NN11 4NB
Parking
Parking is available free of charge.
There are 24 parking spaces available.
Facilities
There are no facilities.
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