Promontory forts

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Promontory forts are historic fortifications that date from Iron Age times.

Many promontory forts have been found on the island of the Isle of Man. Along the coastline of the Island, and particularly on the rocky slate headlands of the south, are the remains of promontory forts which date back almost 2,000 years. Four out of more than 20 have been excavated and several, especially in Santon, can be visited using the Raad Ny Foillan coastal footpath. All have a rampart on their vulnerable landward side, and excavations at Cronk ny Merriu have shown that access to the fort was via a strongly-built gate.

The Scandinavians who arrived in Mann in the eighth and ninth centuries sometimes re-used these Iron Age promontory forts, often obliterating the old domestic quarters with their characteristic rectangular houses; the fine example at Cronk ny Merriu has been used as the basis of the reconstruction in the House of Manannan museum in Peel.