For anyone who enjoys something fresh and interesting, with a perspective on history that perhaps had not been considered before, then Sunday’s walk in the company of Nigel was one not to be missed.

Thirty five like-minded souls met by the small visitors centre in the car park of Hartshill Hayes Country Park where it is said that views of up to six counties may be seen. For those who have the time; apparently you may also count the spires and towers of some forty churches on a clear day.

After a brief summation of the route with planned stops, the group followed the path away from the hill top area past the quarry to the first of the stops where the topography of the landscape was discussed.

The party then descended into the valley taking a generally north westerly direction, stopping at a vantage point overlooking Mancetter. Here an overview of Boudicca (or Boadicea) queen of the British Celtic Iceni tribe who led an insurrection against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire in AD 61, and who died shortly after its failure was given.

Describing in detail how a battle between Celtic tribes and the Roman army, with the subsequent defeat of the Celts and the huge number of casualties (up to 100,000 are thought to have perished) inflicted on that day by the highly disciplined Roman army.

nterest was further aroused by the informed speculation that historians were now suggesting that the actual battlefield site lies somewhere in the vicinity. The argument is supported by various documented and published accounts, but to date, without the necessary hard evidence needed to support the theory.

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