Star-crossed Queen of the Brigantes?

Wincobank is more star studded than ever now that the latest ‘Journeys to Hidden Places’ artwork has been installed. The Star-Crossed Queen is a giant star map set into the hillside showing the polar constellations which are visible all year round in the northern hemisphere. The ‘Queen’ has been installed near to the site of the Roman Ridge, which may have been built by the Brigantes, a Celtic tribe who collaborated with the Romans. Roz Norsworthy, local resident and member of the Friends of Wincobank Hill group, said: “Wincobank Common and Hill are two of the main reasons I came to live in this area, and it’s great to see them being improved and promoted so that future generations can continue to enjoy them. The Star-Crossed Queen really celebrates the rich history of this area, and is a wonderful addition.” This green space is also very near to a scheduled monument, an iron age hill fort. The fort is the only one in England in an urban setting, making it an important heritage site. Exploring the history of Wincobank, the artists discovered that Cartimandua was the Queen of the Brigantes in the area. According to a fascinating account,* instead of engaging in warfare, Cartimandua cooperated with the Romans to keep the peace. Supposedly, when she then divorced her husband and married his armour bearer instead, the Brigantes tribe revolted against her which the Romans used as an opportunity to take over.