Cold Kitchen Hill

Cold Kitchen Hill stands at the centre of the Deverill valley. This modern place name is derived from the Celtic Col Cruachen, the 'Hill of the Wizard'. The rich array of archaeological finds, including building materials, painted wall plaster, human bone, coins, jewellery and votive objects suggests a great temple complex stood there within a rectangular enclosure. This was in use from late Prehistory to the Romano-British period. A fine bronze figurine of Mercury, c. 80 mm x 23 mm across the shoulders, was found nearby. The evidence suggests that Cold Kitchen Hill was the focal point of early settlement in the Deverill valley.