Pre-Roman Celtic Kingdoms

Tribe of the Durotriges

Beyond the pervasive Catuvellaunian influence during the first century BC were the Duroriges of Dorset. They had no recognisable centre, unless the mint at Hengistbury Head is an indication, but display a quite unusual density of powerful hill forts which were to be the scene of a stubborn resistance to the Romans. Maiden Castle is a finely preserved example of one of these hill forts.

The impression is of a number of fiercely independent groups or baronies rather than a closely unified state. The territory extended into south Wiltshire and south Somerset, where they met the Dobunni, and on the west they were bordered by the Dumnonii along a line probably represented by the River Exe.

(Additional information taken from The Oxford History of England: Roman Britain, Peter Salway.)

AD 43/44

The second wing of the invading Roman army forces the surrender of the Durotriges, although not without some hard fighting. There are signs of violent attack at hill forts such as Maiden Castle, Hod Hill, and Spettisbury Rings; and the presence of forts occupied from this period at Hod Hill, Waddon Hill, and probably Ham Hill, suggests that the area remains restive for some years to come.

When the Romans depart, the former Durotriges territory has been absorbed by Dumnonia.