Very Tiny Hillfort

[@hedleythorne]

Great video as ever. Not keen on the AI bloke in a hat, but Mia is a nice presenter. Not a bad hillfort either! Thanks for crediting the drone footage, appreciated.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I promise he'll never appear again! Thanks for the drone shots - they were magnificent and probably the best thing about the video!

[@lpeterman]

The satire has been received, processed and chuckled over. Interesting location -- we have nothing to compare with that, over here in the Oregon Country; (our Neo-lithics didn't build any form of permanent dwellings, save for an occasional pit-house.) Enjoying the content, always certain to get a "like" as well as a comment, if I can dredge up an anecdote to accompany your theme. Carry on, good sir, but don't let the gale carry you away! Cheers from the Willamette Valley, in the Oregon Country.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and I'm glad someone got it! Others seem to think I'm going all AI. I hate the wretched thing! Have a good week and thank you for your ongoing support.

[@1972tommyc]

Ditto from Puget Sound country.

[@brynmorjenkins4376]

Keep going as you are, no fancy stuff. Your humour is the best way in providing excellent productions into our rich country geography and archaeology history

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much - appreciated! I was having a poke at all the successful channels I see using this AI nonsense. Don’t worry, she won’t be back!

[@philcollinson328]

Hear hear good sir! Mr WC21's Tweed clad personality and joy of watching him describe history, or his talent for filming upon a ramble or scramble is why we're all here.However, I fully respect his ventures into things that may grow his channel. The absence of candy floss on sticks as an example is likely a subject, should he wish to commercialise ha!.

[@eddavis1832]

Thank you for placing life and limb at risk to bring us another lovely video! It really is a wonderful little hill fort, indeed. The A.I. assistant is truly creepy…maybe save her for your Halloween special. You’re much better off simply opening a bottle of local ale at the summit of each fort. Fun video…thanks so much for sharing…CHEERS!!! 🍻

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Ed! Short and sweet this week. Sometimes that's just the way with these little known sites. Oh, and a touch of creepy AI - truly ghastly! It's everywhere now - seen her in serious ads!

[@tweedyoutdoors]

What a charming site despite the challenging conditions! I loved the bits with you in Mr WC21, but I have to admit I struggled to warm to your new co-presenter. I know she's new and learning the ropes but she came across as a bit wooden and - I hope this doesn't sound too mean - bordering on robotic. Perhaps if she donned some tweed she might acquire a bit more panache...? Also very enjoyable was that photo in the background in the opening sequence, and great use of Mr Thorne's wonderful drone footage!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Tweedy - you are too kind - this video was not the one I intended to make this week, but events got in the way and I felt obligated to throw something together because KZbin tells us we must! The way it's going, I think I should have just taken a break!

[@tweedyoutdoors]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd I think it's a gem of a video - I watched it twice! It's classic WC21 - showcasing a really interesting site I'm guessing the vast majority of viewers (myself included) would never have heard of otherwise - and presenting it with a great mixture of antiquarian insight and wit! There's so much charm in the ongoing tropes like making a big scene about hiding your camera bag and worrying about getting the ending right. Looking at the other comments it seems not many people were particularly keen on Mia! I should add that I actually found her appearance here hilarious. There's something fantastically clunky and incongruous about it, she's practically the polar opposite to your own on-screen persona. I actually didn't guess from the thumbnail, or your post yesterday, that she wasn't a real person. So I had an uncomfortable moment during the intro thinking "Does Mrs WC21 know about this....?". Oh also I thought it was a really nicely composed shot at 3:29 - I assume that's a room in your house?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@tweedyoutdoors thank you very much! Feeling a bit deflated by some of the response - which of course people are entitled to. I assumed folk would get that it’s the exact opposite of an AI endorsement, but I accept that many are really fed up with all these fake presenters! Thank you - yes I shot that in a part decorated room in the house and thought it ideal to convey the idea of me pacing about worrying about my KZbin stats!

[@tweedyoutdoors]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Sorry to hear that! I think unfortunately some people do seem to have a knee jerk response to certain phenomena and the negativity pours out almost involuntarily without really sparing a thought for the "content creator"! Some of the comments on my Wetherspoons video were quite unpleasant but I know they're not really directed at me, it's just how some people feel about that particular pub chain. I dried my tears with the £100 of revenue that video has made so far! It's clear to me you were making a joke / critique about this technology on several levels and I think it's actually a very sophisticated bit of satire! It can be frustrating being an artiste when your audience doesn't fully appreciate your brilliance!

[@raedwulf61]

Since subscribing a few weeks ago, I've gotten used to your quirky style! That AI is good sarcasm. PS: love your hat!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! A lot of people didn't seem to see the satire in the AI presenter and thought it was something I was serious about! I loved making that AI abomination say antiquarian words!

[@martinwall502]

There's a tiny one in Worcestershire called Solcum hillfort near Kidderminster, but very interesting ...

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Yes, small doesn't mean unimportant. This one is really important - there aren't any others (known) for miles around. I think it's proximity to the Roman fort is also very interesting. Not heard of Solcum, but will pop it on my long list! Cheers.

[@jimmyfusion-c7b]

Another great vid - they all are!! A few months back you did some really great ones around the lower pennines (Blackstone Edge and Saddleworth). If you are ever in this area again go a little further north and check out Castercliff (me and my dad found this by accident - although others had found it before us!!) it's a lovely little inconspicuous iron age hi.ll fort on the old- pennine road heading from Hebden Bridge to Colne... blink and you miss it! Nearby Boulsworth hill is interesting and great to walk also. The lower views over the last few weeks could be due to people being away on their summer hols - that's why I missed the last couple... Despite these oscillations you have a hardy band of like-minded and loyal brothers (and sisters)... I reckon the long-term forecast is rosy and there will be a gradual continued upward trend... cream always rises... it sometimes just takes a little longer than expected... Not sure Mia is the answer

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Jimmy - appreciate the encouragement - been feeling a bit frustrated with it all lately. Mia will NOT be appearing again, don't worry! I've not heard of Castercliff so thanks for the suggestion. I do have Boulsworth Hill on my list, but no real idea what I'm going to do with it yet. Cheers.

[@jimmyfusion-c7b]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd I would not be too frustrated... the best thing about all of this is that you are doing something that you obviously love... it may just take a little longer that expected for other people to get up to speed... On the flip-side of the clicks argument it is worth knowing that there is this content and only a couple of other things on KZbin that I will give my time too... this really is unique... really informative, really well researched and beyond this really good fun!!... Keep up the top work!!

[@eamonnclabby7067]

Excellent.....no hillfort on Bidston Hill here on the Wirral but interesting...local author, Tom Sleman writes prodigious amounts of stuff on it....free to view on the wirral Globe website...cheers....E....

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you - always open to suggestions. I want to do some more stuff down there.

[@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad]

I've lived and worked with The Helm in view for nearly 50years and only been on top once...the shame 😲☹️ I shall make a visit this coming week...if it ever stops raining 🤔 Cheers Alistair 👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Go for it, Alistair - I think it’s a great spot and it’s easy to get to!

[@standingbadger]

Best use of AI I've ever seen. Mia has such a charming laugh.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks. I just couldn't resist the temptation of seeing what one of these ghastly things looked like talking about hillforts! I've seen her in serious ads on here. Terrifying!

[@liberty_and_justice67]

Thanks! Great narrative and video, as usual. Mia could move on to other things, though😂

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much and don’t worry, she’s already gone over to TikTok!

[@PaulTimlett]

Mia's historical insight is... insightful. And the on message blue mood lighting is a masterstroke. I think you've cracked it.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

😂 thanks Paul! Mia has proven highly controversial in the comments and I’ve had to sack her! Back to the drawing board. Cheers.

[@PaulTimlett]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Oh no! I hope you went through due process before terminating her employment. You can’t just go around sacking people even if you are an international media celebrity 😳

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

It’s slightly different with AI characters. She’s already on TikTok advertising herbal remedies!

[@PaulTimlett]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd 😂

[@robgrabowski2572]

Goodness me, was Mia AI? I had absolutely no idea, it was so utterly convincing! 🤣 Love your videos, as always 😊👍 I don't think you need to be spending your enormous budget on new presenters, she'll only end up breaking your heart, mate!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

You're right there - cost me 228 Cap Cut credits! And she's already swanned off to TikTok to advertise instant weight loss pills!

[@tinplategeektoo]

Please don't apologise for shorter videos. Would rather have a succinct video than one filled with a load of waffle. if you have the material for a longer video then great. If not, don't sweat it.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you. In my first year on here the videos were typically under 10 minutes, but growth in the channel coincided with longer ones, so I tend to worry about it. You're right, though. This is a fascinating and little publicised site, but there's nothing else to really say about it than what I've covered here. Thank you for your support.

[@philcollinson328]

I utterly agree, If the likes of Mr WC21 were trying to commercialise his channel, he'd post about Posca...then hold a blurred out can of a popular cola drink in his hand as clickbait ...Actually ..that'd also be a sound idea for Mr Tweedy. I enjoy both of their highly informative vid releases regardless. It's not how long the vid is, it's what you do with it. 🤣

[@sirridesalot6652]

i agree with the other posters who have said basically that they prefer quality even if a short video like this one to a longer video that's mostly filler with little of concrete substance. Cheers from across The Pond.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@sirridesalot6652 thank you. I hadn’t done one as short as this for quite a while and was concerned that it wouldn’t be enough, but it really did work for this simple location and the video performed in line with others. Cheers.

[@MattMesserPics]

I'm not sure if Mia will solve the clicks-issue, as your small but growing fan base certainly loves your own professional yet funny presentation style best. We are all just being punished by generation TikTok for producing quality stuff and putting our hearts and thoughts into it. Another good one here, that's my vote!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you kindly! Going by the early responses, Mia is definitely not the answer! They hate her. And accordingly, she won't be appearing again. I think numbers might also be down a bit due to summer holidays. Let's see what the Autumn brings.

[@christinesimpkin570]

I enjoy your videos just as they are. They are brilliant, thank you ... don't change 👌

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! I’m encouraged by all the support and the AI presenter has now been sacked!

[@davie941]

hello again Darren and AI Mia lol, i always enjoy your videos they are always very interesting , well done and thank you 😊

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Davie! Mia hasn’t gone down well - she’s been sacked!

[@davie941]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd awww lol

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@davie941 😂

[@sirridesalot6652]

This was fun, entertaining and QUITE EDUCATIONAL video. Loved the history you told us about.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much. It’s great to get feedback like that because it is what I try to do. Entertain; a bit of quirky humour and non conformity; ; share knowledge and ideas, plus show the beauty of our landscapes. Thank you.

[@Edward_Spratt26]

It’s not about the size of the fort, but the functionality of said fort! Another superb production! Well done to all those involved. Also, welcome Mia to the channel!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much! Unfortunately Mia has already been sacked due to overwhelmingly hostile response!

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Mia was a hottite :D. That said, I have a thing for Mary Beard... I know, that'd likely just annoy the amazing lady.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@philcollinson328 I wonder if Mia is actually based on a real person? And if so, is the voice hers too?!

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd She sounded like you in verbiage interestingly, or Divine...if you remember...him, her, it whatever.

[@philcollinson328]

Tormenting mate...You sound like Del Trotter's posh uncle. If you heard me, you'd call me norvern.

[@dwbunloaf8245]

Mia is miarly an illusion (groan). I think we all prefer reality however windy. I enjoy all your content, this week had been no exception for me. Don’t understand the decline, but you definitely don’t need gimmicks. Hill forts are always interesting even the tiny ones. Good things do come in small packages even short videos like this one. Keep up the good work.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Bit of a filler this week due to weather and circumstances, although I think it's a charming and interesting site. Something a bit more substantive next week! Cheers.

[@debsbennett5632]

Yet another I must visit

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Great. A good place to visit and very easy to get to for once!

[@jimmycburfield5997]

More blokes in caps! Less early Autumn. More small forts! Actually I do watch these videos for the style!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Jimmy! I’ll take that as a compliment!

[@jimmycburfield5997]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd please do!

[@billykershaw2781]

Gonna have mooch on Google Earth now......Mia knows her stuff.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

These robots always do! Wretched things!

[@1972tommyc]

I’m a Time Team Patreon subscriber and just had to laugh out at Mia’s dig (pun intended) ay TT season 19. Crack on, as Mick Aston would say! 😆👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks! I couldn’t resist that - although I still haven’t fully gotten over what they did in that season. I was definitely with Mick!

[@1972tommyc]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd I’m sure Mick would agree TV execs are almost universally mental wankers.

[@Zarter125]

Very interesting

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Great. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@janecapon2337]

It looks exactly like a Māori Pa site from the 17th to 18th Century. The Maori were Neolithic, they never developed any metallurgy, or ceramic technologies. But they could dig.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That's really interesting. I could see why earlier generations of antiquarians thought it was a Roman signal station, but it's clearly not. Very interesting little site. Cheers.

[@AdeptHavelock]

Nothing wrong with a good hillfort explore and video Darren... Indeed, when down in Cornwall last week and once I'd managed to wade through all the Arthuian mumbo-jumbo I managed to get to a couple myself. One in particular, on the grounds of Pencarrow house was particularly interesting, in that its located in whats now a forest and as far as I could ascertain has never been excavated. P.S. I'd be asking for my money back from the rent-an-AI-presenter company if I were you 😂 😂😂

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That sounds like my kind of place! Must get my myself and my antiquarian kit down to Cornwall one day. Yes, Mia has now been terminated. She did not prove popular!

[@philcollinson328]

Thanks

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Many thanks Phil.

[@jointgib]

i like getting to see these places

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@jointgib great - that’s good to hear - thank you. Great one lined up for next Sunday.

[@HelenKempster-t6y]

Darren, you are a tease. Ai indeed ! I think the idea in someone's comment about tweed attire is worth considering, may be with the addition of a hat😅

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I had to jump on the AI bandwagon and get down with the kids, I suppose. I quickly jumped off given the ferocious reaction! I see Mia is now advertising all manner of nonsense on Tik Tok!

[@poppadog53]

Interesting video, and I enjoyed seeing the tiny hill fort. Mia was a little scary 😅 Keep doing what you do 👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Yes, I think it’s a charming hillfort in miniature!

[@_Hold_My_Beer_]

I have a theory - Inca temples, Pyramids, Hill forts, Silbury Hill and other places like Plonki Pinku (or whatever its called) in Peru and all over the world - these places were built as an escape from floods. Stories handed down through the ages of the dreaded water gods reeking havoc and wiping out lowlands. Look at Peru temples - they have a silly amount of access steps to allow locals to climb quickly, all the art is water based e.g. crocodiles, waves etc. There were massive floods and they did wipe out everyone - Pyramids are ALWAYS built where land is low.....These structures were escape havens for the surrounding lowland peoples in times of flood disaster as stories foretold. (Please disregard if no merit) - Hillforts are always built on sloping land, defences have drainage levelling like a big gutter.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That is a really fascinating and worthwhile idea that I've never encountered before. The flood myths/stories do predate the Bible, so I think it's a really strong idea. It must have been inconvenient traipsing up to these forts and there must have been a pay-off. Cheers.

[@_Hold_My_Beer_]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd - I have a few more theories on Stonehenge and henges in general which would need more than KZbin allowed word counts... waiting for a henge review ;) With hill forts the forebears and stories passed down knew what hills survived the floods, and they always overlook flood plains in most cases? Think Tsunami defence... what was rainfall like then? - Flash Floods?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@_Hold_My_Beer_ really interesting. I might "borrow" this concept - with full credit to your good self - if that's OK?

[@_Hold_My_Beer_]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Thats fine :) - sometimes you have to think outside the box - and I wonder 'Why would I build it?' based on needing to survive something.

[@nickclarke113]

Wow! I live in the area and walk my dog on The Helm every day. In fact, we were up there earlier today. I always knew that there had been a settlement on top but, didn't know too much about it. Thank you for shedding some light on it as I am a bit of an amatuer history buff. P.S. I love your channel and videos.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and that’s great! I loved it up there - despite the weather! Got a real sense of brooding Brits up there - looking down on the Roman developments down below! Check out those hut bases when you’re next up there - they’re really obvious when you know. Cheers.

[@nickclarke113]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Thank you for replying, I wasn't expecting it. As I said, I'm up there most days but as you found out, it can be very windy up there and I have lost more than one hat . . . It's also haunted, if you believe in such things - which I appreciate you don't. I have had more than one eerie encounter up there and once, another dog walking whom I can across has seen and heard exactly the same as I . . . Anyway, I truly love your channel and particularly enjoy the Roman material and especially the old Roman Road. Many thanks 👍

[@drinksafewater]

Ai hits this channel - That's funny! Always interesting well-researched content - (apart from the Ai MIA ). Missing In Action on this location . I think these were moot centres between inter tribes and as a last resort 'Last ditch' defence.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers! So many possibilities with these forts. What interested me about this one is that living up there permanently would have been viable. Not that difficult to get up there and with a water supply. Mia has been sacked already!

[@gibjamie]

I think if you're gonna go down the AI co presenter route then Mia should at the very least be Dressed in Tweed.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Ha! If only I knew how to do that! Please be assured I won't be going down that route - I just thought it would be funny to see one of these monstrous creations talking about hillforts, Ordnance Survey and Reverend Frank West! Thank you for watching. Cheers.

[@barryconway]

I second this.

[@robdegoyim4023]

Or as an anime cat girl

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@robdegoyim4023 I will have to look this up!

[@liamtimms777]

Check out stonea camp in the Cambs fens , iv had mole hills higher than stonea

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks. That sounds definitely video worthy!

[@iainmc9859]

Last time I saw a character with onscreen presence as cardboard as that it was the first series of 'Star Trek - The Next Generation'. (Mia's okay though ... 😊😁🤣)

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Ha! Were they terrible in that? Since dismissing Mia, I see her regularly promoting all manner of things.

[@shanewallace1126]

Ta. Love the hat! Wear one myself, with chin-strap for windy weather. Chur🙃

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Great! There should be more hat wearing. The one in this video has a "retainer" - but it's useless!

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Darren, After seeing the trailer I was wondering who an earth Mia might be and then I thought yes keep it in the family it's your wife!! A quick look back to Fake or Fortune reveals the truth although it did start me worrying about Philip Mould again ...... Did I spy a miniature WC21 in the background in your intro? I don't think I've ever seen an AI presenter on KZbin before, I don't use tik tic either, so the joke went a bit over my head (and a few others too maybe). Nonetheless it was very convincing the mouth movements were perfectly coordinated with the speech. One day they will have their place. On Isaac Moreno Gallo channel he appears as a small figure doing his voice overs, it's a clever bit of editting and works very well. The map showing all the first was very interesting I never knew there were quite so many. It's a great subject and they are all worth seeing. Top marks for battling against the weather. All the best!! PS For Edwardian bathing suits have a look at the Danish animated cartoon John Dillermand. It's what they show their children ...... the mind boggles

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks David! I actually first met Mia on a KZbin ad! Terrifying stuff and I very much enjoyed making her say antiquarian words! Going by some of the comments, some people really, really hate AI characters! Anyhow, she's back advertising everything from "lose weight quick" pills and "artistic coffee beans" on TikTok now and I excised her brief cameo in tomorrow's video, lest it cause any offence. Yes, a huge number of hillforts. Once again, I think we can tend to underestimate society and the communication of ideas in the pre-Roman period. I'm off to watch that cartoon now.

[@barryconway]

are you ready for a small one? boom tish. I too think Mia might usefully have been multi-lingual… En français: regarder un tout petit Fort de colline. Sorry about the downturn in viewing numbers. Wonder if it coincides at all with a reverse chart showing the number of new “with Tweedy” channels? (asking for a friend)

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That made me laugh, Barry! I hadn't considered the growing Tweedy conglomeration! This is what Google Translate made of your French, by the way: "look at a tiny hill fort"!

[@tweedyoutdoors]

😂 Sounds like a conspiracy theory to me Barry! Rest assured my views haven't been particularly great in recent weeks either - the last three pub videos are all at the bottom of (or even below) the "grey cone of shame", with the most recent one at less than half the number a video on that channel would typically have at about two days in. Perhaps partly my fault for daring to venture out of London? The peanut gallery never seems to like that!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@tweedyoutdoors someone else has suggested summer holidays as a factor? Interestingly, our Long Man video has been experiencing a bit of a late second wind.

[@tweedyoutdoors]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Great to hear that - better late than never!

[@barryconway]

@@tweedyoutdoors tweedy fish n chips (just saying)

[@David_Avidmind]

Great fun content again. My wife suggests there is an inverse correlation between the amount of Tweed and the number of viewers . The shorter the shorts, the more viewers (I assume she means more Ladies watch).

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Please pass on my thanks to your wife! That really has made my day!

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Hi Darren. Typical of AI presenters, never to be seen out and about in the wind and rain. Too soft for their own good. They will never catch on. Your job is safe. As always a very interesting and enjoyable watch ( PS You will gather that I’m binge watching to catch up on your videos I missed whilst I was away). 👍😀

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Andrew and I hope you’re enjoying the catch up. I like the idea of people watching me on catch-up! This was an eye opening video for me. I did the AI presenter in what I thought was an obviously satirical way, but it provoked quite a negative response from a lot of people. Some asking me nicely not to do it again and others saying they would unsubscribe if I did! It was just meant to be funny making one of these monsters say “antiquarian” things. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I quite like being able to do a shorter video every now and again.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd On a grim cold Monday afternoon what better way to cheer myself up, and be educated and entertained by your good self. 👍😀

[@jenniferharrison4319]

👍 One of nearly on my doorstep places that l haven’t been too. Prefer you with no gimmicks, don’t tell your wife 🤣🤣

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Jennifer - hope you go and have a look - I really like this little hillfort!

[@RonSeymour1]

Ditch Mia (excuse the pun). Your quirky sense of humour makes it all the more interesting.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

She went down like a cup of something bad. I may have gone a little too far with the satire on this one! But it was nice everyone saying they preferred me! Cheers.

[@AllotmentFox]

They are religious sites hence the Romano-British temples sat on top of old shrines

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

You've mentioned this before. Do you think most of these hillforts became such?

[@AllotmentFox]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd i repeat myself often. I think people often went to them for religious reasons as well as political-economic-military ones. When they were decommissioned by the Romans they continued as temples but had temples before they arrived.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I love that you have included Mia, but one has to ask...... is it the absence of Phillip Schofield that has led to your decline in views? As for me, I watch each one all the way through, but I think you possibly need a chin strap for the hat now that the two weeks of summer are over. It's great that you are documenting the smaller hill forts, too. I hadn't realised there were so many built by our ancestors. I say our ancestors, but looking at my nose, I think my ancestry comes from the Roman invaders. 😂 I do love a nice Trig, but if they were to take it away, then people would still come to pay homage to where the Trig once was. #Trig #summit Thanks for sharing, Darren, and before you know it, you will be in Alpine gear. On a side note, my channel has exploded in membership, but sadly, they aren't turning into watch hours. I can't understand the algorithm, and I don't think the algorithm understands how the algorithm works. BRING BACK PHILLIP!!! ❤ Thanks again for sharing, and I hope you are enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Chris! I just couldn't resist the AI any longer and had to make one of these awful creations talk about hillforts! Yes, I don't think the removal of the trig would stop the hiking based erosion. It's a fine viewpoint, close to Kendal - people are going to go up there. I also think the trig is part of the history of the site now. The algorithm is a monster, Chris. Just when you think you've cracked it, the wretched thing changes again. I think one just has to plod on and the overall trend tends to be upwards - if painfully slowly. Have you got the watch hours for monetization now?

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd sadly not. I'm 1k short on the watch hours, but my brother has a cunning plan. He will leave his second phone playing my complete video playlist on repeat. But by my maths, that will take 41 days 😂. Before, I was at 4k watch hours but not 1k subs, and as you know, it's a rolling 365 days, so it declines over time to diddle you out of hours. They will do anything to keep me from getting my £1 a year. But like you've said, Darren, it grows organically. It may take me the 41 days, but I'm hoping the algorithm will notice my subscriber jump and maybe push the videos more. You can never tell. But I started the channel as a thing to look back on when I'm old, so this is still better than I could ever have expected. I'm just happy that I have a core of subscribers that watch and enjoy. I've picked up a few from Threads, too, but my main boost seems to be shorts. So, the shorts are the main pull on subscribers according to my analytics.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd being British, I see you are using monitization vs. monetisation. Is one trending on the international market? Over 55% of my subscribers are from Vietnam. I've not worked that one out yet. 😂

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling Vietnam?! I don't think I've ever had one there! I just accepted the spell check. AmericaniZation everywhere!

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd 😂

[@harley419]

I love your presentation, keep on keeping on and no more MIa

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and I will definitely keep on keeping on!. Next one is tomorrow - with a very real co-presenter!

[@desmondrobinson169]

Scratch/tickle the algorithm😂

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

You are a good algorithm scratcher, Desmond. Thank you!

[@brianpamos49]

I had to fast forward when your assistant came on.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Sorry about that - it was a poke at all the wretched AI on KZbin now. Thanks for watching.

[@MONTY-YTNOM]

yer the weather has turned again, not so nice for us explorers Even with a good coating of tweed

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Really autumnal here in the north west. I have a strong feeling that we won't be seeing anymore summer weather now....

[@Ribeirasacra]

Anything that is showing signs as Being AI in a video I usually stop the playback right away. However, you being you I thought there was going to be a nice joke in this. Sadly I have to write I was disappointed there was not. I think it is the Al-gore-rhythm that is not working for you. You have to do more than this to stop me watching the videos😁

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Trust me, it was meant to be a joke - I hate all this AI nonsense. She’s been sacked. I do sometimes go a bit over the top on the surreal stuff, for which I apologise! Thank you for your loyalty!

[@DICEGEORGE]

she's got a scary laugh

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

AI scary! I’m glad she’s gone.

[@philcollinson328]

Back after unforeseen technical issues ...I blame the bloody Romans!... What have they ever done for us?.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Whatever they did, they could never have envisaged anything remotely as scary as Mia!

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd I'd have more faith in Libitina!

[@andrewbarnett5542]

What function would such a small hill fort serve? Your learned colleague Paul Whiewick has explained that archeological evidence suggests that hill forts had various functions and not just defence. I wonder if the effort to construct such small hill fort would have be cost effective. There must have been a sweet spot of population manning a fort and the capacity to defend it if that’s its function. Could you live safely in such a small area and have enough provisions to keep you going? A bit like the small wall in the middle of nowhere. As for the female presenter, I think you were being conservative and I would suggest a page 3 girl should be “recruited” to “sex up” the presentation. Or you could wear tweed swimming suit like they wore in Edwardian times. That would be a sure-fire winner.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks for the suggestions, Andrew! I will look into that Edwardian bathing suit idea! I agree these hillforts raise a lot of questions. With this one, I think it would be practical to live there in the sense that the climb up to it is not too arduous and there is water up there. But others have suggested a religious purpose - that may have continued into the Roman period - and someone else suggested the intoxicating idea that they were so sited as a refuge in times of flood... Anyhow, they provide ample opportunity for amateur antiquarians to speculate! Cheers.

[@ThreeOldDudesshow]

Oh god, purple and blue led background...Thank god you didn't have Ikea shelves with japanese cartoon figurines and soft toys on them.😂 I remember when sunday afternoons were the Farming programme and sunday Grandstand on the telly... Now at least I can look forward to WC21 😝 I tried using AI once for my show advert..(see link below for your amusement. If the link works...) I like getting demure AI robots to say bad things🤣 Oh yeah, nice hillfort too. Never knew that was there and me being Lancastrian/Cumbrian too! kzbin.infogekRI_IzBx0?si=7u0FXMH3p4TO9zmT

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I needed a KZbin plaque to complete that backdrop, but alas…. I love all the KZbin cliches and I’ve seen Mia appearing on a few things. Couldn’t resist giving it a go! Link doesn’t seem to work from my phone - will try on computer later. Cheers.

[@tamasmogyorosi]

So it goes. We are overly old and differently cultured to reach contemporary masses, with or without AI. But this is a creating and saving stuff and good fun for our minority. (Sorry, meanwhile I'm really having a good time and learn a lot - even with my zero english - cause I'm watching this video.) Thanks, thanks, thanks.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you kindly! That’s a good way to put it and I’m glad you enjoy the videos. Your English is great. Cheers for the support.

[@edwards9557]

No more Mia! even if she has a ‘proper’ English accent! Keep to tweed clad antiquarians running around remote hillsides. Cheers mate.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers. She’s been sacked already! Thanks for watching!

[@LeslieGilpinRailways]

Great video again - oh that's Kendal I thought. The weather has been appalling. I like your idea of the canny Iron-agers looking down and laughing at how well the Romans are handling the weather. Canny enough to run off into hiding than stick around should those Romans decide to cause trouble. You covered the subject matter but AI is a gimmick too far in my opinion. Welcome to the world of the KZbin algorithm and the finicky viewers.I've still not cracked it - fine one minute and where did they all go the next.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and yes, that's Kendal down below in the gloom! The algorithm is a monster. Always changing. Someone else has suggested school summer holidays, which makes sense. AI is ghastly and this was a one-off experiment. Mia is already in the dustbin!

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

An actual Iron Age hill fort or just an earthwork from the English Civil War ? Looks like the latter to me.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Interesting! Lots of ideas coming forward, but that’s a new one. To my knowledge, never excavated, so we could indeed all be wrong. The hut platforms do like Iron Age to my amateur eye, though. Cheers.

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd I live near Halifax, which was occupied for a time by Royalist forces, while Parliamentary forces were stationed a few miles to the west. On the high ground above Halifax there are a number of small, circular earthworks similar to the one in your video, sited to watch for or deter attacks from the west, and there were a handful of recorded skirmishes in the area. I don't know if any of the earthworks were involved, and I suspect they were built partly to keep the troops busy - At that time, idle troops tended to fall into drunkenness and other bad ways !

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@Kevin-mx1vi I have a vague recollection about those - will have to check them out some day. The Civil War is the only period I'm really interested in beyond the Dark Ages.

[@garrymartin6474]

I'd replace Mia some some character from the period in history of the subject or if there is some doubt the characters could argue it out , or perhaps not bother at all (my preferance)

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

A good idea. These AI creations are so characterless and generic. I first saw this one in a KZbin ad - they’re starting to appear everywhere. I found it funny to put WC21 words into the mouth of these ghastly creations! Cheers.

[@AnyoneForToast]

Mia could only be improved by translating her through several languages, and back to English again. That would ensure top notch you tube content...

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I reckon you're right! I've actually seen her on serious ads on KZbin. What a weird world we live in. Cheers.

[@davidgalea6113]

The hip hop music seems a bit of an odd choice.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi, it's part of an ongoing joke. The idea is that we think we're hip, but are getting it wrong. We try to mix history and landscape with slightly offbeat and surreal humour. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@davidgalea6113]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd ah ok, went right over my head..

[@hainanbob6144]

Sorry, not a fan of Mia at all.Apart from that, as usual I enjoyed the video very much. PS Don't worry about short, some of my highest 'viewed' videos havd been short. (Countryside cows over 2,800, Needle in my belly over 60,000.) There seems to be no rhyme or reason why some succed and others don't. For me, keep up the good work, love it.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and it's interesting how the videos perform, isn't it? Someone else has mentioned summer holidays and I guess that might be a factor. Please don't worry, Mia was just a joke - maybe misjudged!

[@janecapon2337]

Mia is a bit creepy

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Yes she is. I've seen her on serious ads on KZbin! Just a bit of fun here to make an AI character say things like, "Ordnance Survey" and "Castrum Exploratorium"!

[@steveandthedogs]

Erm, no, Mia made me want to turn off. Rest good though.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and don't worry, she was just a one off. I wanted to put words like "Ordnance Survey" and "Castrum Exploratorium" into the mouth of one of these ghastly creations. I've actually seen her on serious ads on KZbin. Weird times we live in!

[@sirridesalot6652]

Is Mia an AI? SUre does look and sound like it. I really enjoyed the video except during Mia's first appearance when the music was a bit too loud to hear her clearly. I'm going to watch a few of your hiking videos and if I like those I'll definitely subscribe to your channel. Edit. Ah, ao I was right. Mia is an AI generated addition.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@sirridesalot6652 yes she was AI. I couldn’t resist putting antiquarian words into the mouth of one of these abominations! I have actually seen her in a few videos on KZbin! A lot of people got the satire in this, but others seemed genuinely concerned she’d be regular. She’s back on TikTok now - where she belongs!

[@SciFiFemale]

I love your content, even on a windy day. I don't like AI. Sounds so grating and false.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Yes, AI is ghastly and I see it more and more on KZbin. I thought it might be funny to see what one of these awful things looked like talking about hillforts and the Ordnance Survey! But Tik Tok is welcome to her!

[@jacquelinetaylor8683]

A bit wooden. I'll leave you to decide which presenter I mean.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Ha! I might have a go at making an AI version of myself at some stage - see if anyone notices the difference!

[@gordonhorn8867]

I wish I knew why I watch your channel, maybe it's because you save me lots of money by not having to visit your far away land. But if you think I'm going to use some of that savings to buy you coffee, sorry, it all went to Mia's Only Fans.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I hear she’s doing well there! That and TikTok are her more natural homes - how could I ever have been so stupid as to think it would work out here?!

[@Egma_1237]

Behahah

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@Egma_1237 couldn’t agree more!

[@markstott6689]

Mia makes me think of a Russian who learned English in the USA. Failing that, a Russian speaker who was overdubbed by a Russian who learned English in the USA. 😂😂😂❤😂😂😂

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That’s a very good analysis of her ghastly accent! I first met her in a KZbin ad for weight loss pills, you know!

[@MONTY-YTNOM]

I work in AI if you need a hand :)

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That's very kind of you Monty! And if I ever did make the foolish decision to do AI again, I would certainly need some help! It's been quite eye-opening how much people hate it.

[@01cthompson]

Please dump Mia. I'd be happy to see you reading a script from your desk in the studio.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Mia has been well and truly dumped. She's loathed! Thanks for watching and commenting and hope all's well.

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

Yes, can you get tweed in AI? To be honest Darren ,not the prettiest creation is she? Bit of a nightmare to be honest! Did you glue the hat on in the end then?😂

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

She’s gone down like a cup of something sour and cold, to be honest! I thought it would be funny to hear one of these ghastly things mouthing antiquarian words, but some seem to be very upset by her! She’s in the bin now. Lost the hat twice filming this!

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

​@@WC21UKProductionsLtdwell you tried mate- she looks like a bloke in drag

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

Thought it was a bloke at first!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@CarolWoosey-ck2rg was she ever a real person, that’s what I want to know?!

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

​@@WC21UKProductionsLtdGod I hope not! 😂

[@MarkDerbyshiremoses]

Don't like the AI lady, just do what you do, it's all OK. Removed the out tro tune, it's horrible and annoying, sounds like a murder mystery thing. Viewing figures will drop during school hols.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Mark. Yes, the AI stuff is awful! I thought it might be funny to make one of them talk about hillforts - don't worry, she won't be back! I did wonder about the impact of school holidays. I'm not really that bothered - value the audience I have and all the interaction. Music on the channel is deliberately chosen to be offbeat and out of date. The idea is that we're trying to be hip and KZbiny, but getting it wrong. I know some people like it and others don't. Many thanks for the feedback, it's appreciated.

[@MarkDerbyshiremoses]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd my wife and I are disabled and cannot access the locations you visit, so we're extremely grateful for you visiting these sites for us. We love to see your video and enjoy your info and banter. I was a military instructor for many years and have matched across many hills and fells in the day and night all over the UK, sadly during military training you don't get time to enjoy the locations you operate in and on. Your videos are important to us disabled veterans and folk who can nolong pop up hills. Just keep doing your thing and remember its appreciated 👏

[@deludedwendi]

Not AI, pleeeease 😢😣

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Apologies, I can’t undo what I’ve done, but I can promise it won’t happen again!

[@joed285]

Hi Darren substitute Mia for your better half I am sure the views will shoot up ! Sorry to say but she is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye than you haha !!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I’ll tell her that! Cheers!

[@littlepocketman3531]

Get rid of Mia! stick to the quirky British humour. Keep up the good work.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers! Just a one-off, please be assured! I've taken heart from how universally loathed she's turning out to be!

[@museonfilm8919]

A seemingly genderless AI presenter - how very modern of you! 😉

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

😂 - as ever, just showing how “with it” I am! Cheers.

[@robinvarner7619]

Mia is not necessary...

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

She’s been binned. Back on TikTok where she belongs! It was just a piece of satire - I enjoyed making “it” say antiquarian things. Cheers.

[@tracytownley5130]

would have subscribed but did not tlike he AI presenter

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

No worries, Tracy, but just to let you know that it was satire. The AI presenter never appears again. Thanks for watching.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

No worries, but just to let you, it was satire. The AI presenter never appears again! Thanks for watching.

[@lamiaitaly2549]

Oh no. I forwarded through the AI mumbo jumbo thing. Prefer the real talent!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you - that's cheered me up! It was an experiment - wanted to see what one of these awful things looked like talking about hillforts. It made me chuckle, but please be assured it's a one off! Cheers.

[@johnfoster6412]

I like your videos. I do not like the AI girl. Not at all.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks for the support and feedback, John. Please be assured it was just a joke to see what one of these monstrous things looked like talking about things like hillforts and the Ordnance Survey! I've actually seen her on other videos - including advertisements - where there is nothing to declare her as AI. What weird times we live in.

[@johnfoster6412]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd in the interests of full disclosure, I'm quite hostile to so-called AI being used unless it improves things for humans. Not many visible applications of AI are improving life, although they're great at confusing what is truth. I find the gratuitous use of AI reduces credibility, especially as the LLMs used are prone to lies and hallucinations. 30 years ago I was a real AI researcher, but the hype was overstated then, and it's overstated now. Such a shame, as we could use it to work on really hard things, like malaria, but instead it's used to make images of biologically improbable women.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@johnfoster6412 yes, it's only really come onto my radar recently when I've seen content on KZbin and the like featuring characters - presented as real - that I can see in my editing software. I think it is alarming.

[@martynhaggerty2294]

Thumbs down for Mia. Prefer quirky eccentric presenters.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@martynhaggerty2294 she now does adverts on TikTok!

[@yorkshirelad3524]

No no no to AI presenters thankyou I will not watch this

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

No worries. It was just a one off gag. I hate AI characters. Cheers.

[@garygalt4146]

If I see the Ai again I will unscribe sore not for me 😢

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Gary. No intention for it to appear again - it was a poke against all the AI rubbish appearing on KZbin now. I probably should have made that clearer. I hate the stuff.

[@battleoftheelements]

My eyes glaze over when I hear ai voicing, suppose we will have to get used to it. A British accent would probably be better. There are lots of small hillforts in Wales, probably defended farmsteads, many with just one or maybe two or three huts. An Iron Age hut could have housed maybe up to 20 people, so two or three huts could have made a small Clan.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Those numbers are interesting because I've been working on something related to that today. I hate all this AI nonsense. Mia was a poke at it - couldn't resist getting one of these things to talk about hillforts and the Reverend Frank West. She has now been sacked! Cheers for watching and commenting. I will get out to Wales at some stage - some great antiquities.

[@JMV1110]

You really don't need gimmicks 🫣 I subscribed about a month ago because I saw and heard a person who was the same age as me, his historical knowledge is impressive and who was obviously also down to earth. His dry wit is very, very funny too 😊 For all that who needs techy stuff 😊

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

This was a piece of satire on AI that backfired. I was crucified in the comments! I enjoyed making it say antiquarian things. A few people keep asking me to bring her back. But I won’t!

[@JMV1110]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Thank the Gods 🙂