Brent Knoll is an island in the surrounding Levels and rises to a height of 139 metres here. Two distinct themes define the area: Brent Knoll fort, a large univallate fortification, and the Church of St Michael, with fabric dating from several centuries. There is also a circular route from Brent Knoll to East Brent. The landscape, fortification, church art and walk therefore offer different points of interest for planning a trip.
The Hillfort and Its Layout
Brent Knoll fort is a large univallate hillfort with a complete defensive circuit. The entrance is flanked by guard chambers, and a hollow way leads up to it. The description distinguishes several features of the site: the complete circuit, the guarded entrance and the path leading to it. Those interested in historic fortifications can focus on its layout and arrangement.
A low bank, about one metre high, with internal quarry ditches encloses the flat summit, which covers 1.6 hectares. The height of the bank and the area of the summit give the defensive circuit a concrete scale. Together with the entrance and the hollow way, they provide a more precise picture of the site than the term hillfort alone. The terrain and architectural features can be considered as separate topics: on the one hand, the shape of the summit; on the other, the fortification and its entrance.
Legends about King Arthur are also associated with Brent Knoll fort. This tradition offers a different way of looking at the place than its architectural description: one concerns the story-based connection to Arthur, the other the bank, ditches and entrance. Those interested in legends will find a distinct cultural focus alongside the form of the fortification.
The Church of St Michael: Building Phases and Details
The Church of St Michael contains fabric dating from the 11th, 14th and 15th centuries, as well as a 19th-century restoration. Rather than giving just one construction date, this reveals a sequence of different building periods. One clearly identifiable detail is the Norman south doorway with chevron ornament, a zigzag motif. A porch dating from the early 14th century completes this part of the church.
There are also specific historical and visual features inside: the 14th- and 15th-century pews have allegorical panels depicting the punishment of Reynard the Fox. There is also a large painted wall monument to John Somerset, dating from 1663. The pews and their panels, along with the wall monument, offer different points of interest. Those interested in architecture can focus on the doorway and porch; those who find imagery and memorials more compelling have the panels and wall monument to explore.
A Circular Route as a Walking Option
The circular walk from Brent Knoll to East Brent is 3.4 miles long. The description as a circular walk and the two named places make it a clear walking option; the distance helps you judge its length when planning. It complements the historical themes with another way to spend your time. You can consider the route as a walk in its own right, regardless of whether your main interest is the hillfort, the church or the landscape.
Planning a Stay to Suit You
Brent Knoll offers a range of interests to choose from: the shape and fortifications of the hillfort, the Arthurian legends, the building history and furnishings of the Church of St Michael, or the circular route to East Brent. If you are looking for hotels in Brent Knoll, first decide which of these topics matter to you during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Tintinhull, Norton St Philip, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Tolland, Cutcombe, Queen Camel, Burrow Bridge, Dulverton.
For the wider travel overview: Somerset.
