Barbury, Wiltshire

Historical Description

Barbury, a hill at the northern extremity of Marlborough Downs, 5 miles S of Swindon, Wilts. It is a culminating height of the county, amid wild lonely downs, and commands an extensive view. A long and obstinate battle was fought on it, in 556, between the Saxons under Cynric and the Britons, which led to the annexation of Wilts to Essex. On it is a well-preserved British camp called Barbury Castle, about 2000 feet in diameter, with double ditch and rampart.