A Town map of Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury has a strong Saxon history and the activity could have heavily eroded any surrounding ramparts as the they developed their castle. It was soon followed by King Alfred who founded the nunnery for his daughter, which grew into one of the richest in England. The encorachment of the town has therefore hidden a great deal of its archaeology, nevertheless Iron Age evidence has been unearthed. In combination with other hillforts, the high chalk hills and evidence dating from the period, it is highly likely that the Saxon burgh, which gave the town its name, was built upon an Iron Age Hillfort.
Neighbouring walks: Motcombe, Win Green, Compton Abbas Airfield, Melbury Abbas, Melbury Beacon, Stour Row, Duncliffe, Madjeston, Gillingham and St Edward’s Way.
