The development of the metallic tools, implements and weapons that persisted through the Middle Ages were actually originated during the Bronze and Iron Ages and following that, these implements have dramatically altered over time. Eventually, with the appearance of gunpowder in Europe in the early 14th century most of these weapon were rendered useless and the castle too took a backseat to the extent of becoming redundant.

I wrote this poem back in July 2010 after a visit to Maiden Castle, one of the most spectacular Iron Age hillforts in Britain, but never posted it. Here it is at last, accompanied by some of my photographs.

Just an odd idea for a verse about archaic civilizations and city building. It was inspired by watching many documentaries about the various civilizations leading up to the times of the Roman Empire and their civil engineering works – thinking of those who built them and those who toiled on the mountain roads and sea cliffs.

From a project to build an iron-age settlement, in a patch of woodland at a local primary school.