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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Travel
Kevin Rushby

Fort for the day: Britain’s ancient hilltop camps are waiting to be explored

Fort expert Carol Watson exploring the ramparts at Stanwick St John, with the church of St John the Baptist in the distance
Fort expert Carol Watson exploring the ramparts at Stanwick St John, with the church of St John the Baptist in the distance Photograph: Kevin Rushby

In the church we catch sight of a 17th-century cavalier, ringlets cascading over his shoulder armour, rising on to his elbow as if disturbed from a long nap. Under the bell tower we discover stones incised with the shapes of broadswords, medieval faces and a Celtic whale. Then, emerging into the sunlight, we investigate the strange circular graveyard, wondering if this must have been a pagan site. From the shadows of ancient yew trees, a green bird bursts out, showing us the way down into a field full of furrows where a crystal stream burbles. Ahead of us on a turfed mound is a peculiar shrine.

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