Steep climb in visitor numbers to Oswestry Hillfort
It has long been called the Maiden Castle of the North and hailed more recently as the Stonehenge of the Iron Age.
Now a sharp hike in visitor numbers to Oswestry’s Hillfort has confirmed its impressive heritage status and tourist appeal.
New figures from English Heritage, the guardians of the 3,000-year-old monument, suggest that footfall has more than quadrupled in the last 10 years.
Following the installation of a counter system this summer, initial projections predicted that the annual number of visitors to the hillfort would be in the region of 33,000.
Ten years ago the historic site was attracting around 7,500 visitors a year.
Helen Allen of English Heritage said: "We are delighted that, as a result of our partnership with the volunteers at Oswestry Heritage Gateway, even more people are being encouraged to visit Old Oswestry, one of the best-preserved hillforts in Britain. This is a great example of how teamwork can benefit our heritage sites."
Maggie Rowlands, from Chirk Bank, project-managed access improvements costing around £100,000, which were completed in 2008, and she remains active in the hillfort’s conservation.
She said: "When we put in new paths, signage and a pavement along the lane we immediately saw visitors coming out to enjoy what had previously been a neglected and overgrown corner of Oswestry.
"Both Oswestry Town Council and the old Oswestry Borough Council were project partners and hoped that it would add to the tourism opportunities in Oswestry and therefore support small businesses in the town.
"I am certain that our European funders would be overjoyed to see how visitor numbers have nearly quadrupled in 10 years and I am proud to have been involved with such a successful project and such a majestic site."
The Oswestry Heritage Gateway, a group dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the hillfort, said they are not surprised by the hike in the number of visitors.
Tim Malim from the group added: "The visitor interest is really no surprise. Old Oswestry is truly unique and amazingly well–preserved, providing an easily accessible insight into Iron Age society unlike most of the more remote hillforts in the Marches. Its location and panoramic views across the Shropshire plain to the tribal centre at The Wrekin are a vital part of this.
"Let’s not forget, too, that it is an important wildlife haven and beauty spot, perfectly framed by the hills and greenery of town’s scenic northern gateway."
