Although referred to as an Iron Age FORT, I think it is better called an enclosure. A fort suggests a military compound, but - while it was almost certainly used for that purpose - I think its overall use was much broader and more generally peaceful.
I think the enclosure was used as a military stronghold in times of war; as a refuge for people and stock in winter (when the clay-bedded valleys would have been wet and flooded); as a market place, and as a place of counsel.
The hill rests right on the boundary of three major Iron Age tribal territories: The Catuvellauni, the Atrebates, and the Dobunni, making it an ideal place for tribal leaders to meet in safety.
The enclosure is Iron Age, and once had several rings of ramparts and ditches, of which all but the inner one have been destroyed by farming.
In the middle of the enclosure are the remains of a Bronze Age enclosure. It's within this central enclosure (more or less delineated by the edge of the clump) that the Michael and Mary currents cross (see 'Mystery and Legend' section), suggesting there may have been a deeper, more spiritual purpose for the placing of the entire enclosure.
After winning the battle of Benson against the West Saxons in 792, Offa, king of Mercia, occupied the enclosure and built a lookout tower there.
Local legend also says Alfred the Great used the enclosure during his campaign.
Combined with the Iron Age enclosure of Dyke Hills, across the river at the foot of the hill, Sinodun must have been a very important place in Celtic times.
Now, its gate way guarded only by a solitary May Tree, the enclosure is a truly peaceful place to be.
Photos © David Stone
