Bagendon is an archaeological site located near Cirencester in the Cotswolds District of Gloucestershire, England. It is an Iron Age hillfort that dates back to the 1st century BCE. The hillfort is situated on a hill overlooking the Churn Valley and covers an area of approximately 16 hectares. Bagendon was an important settlement during the Iron Age and was occupied by the Dobunni tribe, who were a Celtic people. The hillfort was fortified with defensive earthworks, including ramparts and ditches, which would have provided protection to the inhabitants. Excavations at Bagendon have revealed evidence of roundhouses, storage pits, and other structures, indicating that it was a thriving community. The site has also yielded a significant number of artifacts, such as pottery, coins, and metalwork, providing insights into the daily lives of the people who lived there. One of the notable features of Bagendon is its proximity to the Roman town of Corinium - modern-day Cirencester (Capital of the Cotswolds). The hillfort may have served as a precursor to the Roman settlement and could have had strategic importance in the region. Today, Bagendon is an important archaeological site and is managed by English Heritage. Visitors can explore the site and learn about its history through information panels and guided tours. It offers a glimpse into the Iron Age past of the area and the cultural and social aspects of the people who inhabited it.
