Hengist of Upper Barnton

Hengist of Upper Barnton was a medieval wizard famed for founding the all-wizarding village of Hogsmeade in Scotland. Driven from his home by Muggle persecution, he established a safe haven for witches and wizards near Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His legacy is primarily preserved through his inclusion on a Famous Witches and Wizards Card. While the book canon refers to him as “Hengist of Woodcroft,” the name “Hengist of Upper Barnton” is used in supplementary materials.

Details of Hengist's life are sparse and come from his Famous Witches and Wizards Card. He lived during the Middle Ages, a period of intense Muggle persecution against those with magical abilities. Originally residing in a place known as Upper Barnton (or Woodcroft), he was eventually forced to flee his home. Hengist traveled north to Scotland, where he discovered a location near Hogwarts. Here, he founded the village of Hogsmeade, which remains the only entirely non-Muggle settlement in Great Britain. It is believed that the pub, the Three Broomsticks Inn, was originally Hengist's own dwelling (Pottermore). His work provided a crucial sanctuary for the magical community, allowing them to live openly without fear.

No official description of Hengist's appearance or personality exists within the novels. The depiction on his Famous Witches and Wizards Card in video game adaptations portrays him as a man with brown hair and a beard, dressed in medieval-style green and brown robes (video game). Based on his known actions, it can be inferred that Hengist was resilient, resourceful, and a natural leader. Fleeing persecution and subsequently founding an entire village suggests immense courage and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of the wizarding community.

Hengist's specific magical talents are not documented. However, the successful founding of a village like Hogsmeade would have required a considerable range of magical skills. These would likely include advanced Charms for construction, protective Enchantments to ward off hostile Muggles, and possibly expertise in Herbology and Potions to ensure the settlement was self-sufficient. His greatest skill, however, appears to have been in leadership and community-building.

• The Three Broomsticks Inn: It is widely believed that the building which later became the Three Broomsticks Inn served as Hengist's personal home after he founded Hogsmeade (Pottermore).

Hengist's primary known relationship was with the Muggle community, which was one of persecution and hostility, forcing him to abandon his home. His relationship with the wizarding community, by contrast, was that of a founder and protector, as he established Hogsmeade for their benefit. No specific friends or family members are recorded.

• Hengist: The name is shared with a semi-legendary Jutish chieftain who, with his brother Horsa, led the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain in the 5th century. This historical connection lends an ancient, foundational quality to the character's name.
• Upper Barnton: Barnton is a real suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland. Its inclusion firmly places Hengist's origins in the same country where he would eventually found Hogsmeade.
• Woodcroft: The alternate surname from the book canon, “Woodcroft,” combines “wood” (forest) and “croft” (a small, enclosed farmstead), suggesting a rustic or rural origin.

The name of this wizard differs between the primary canon and supplementary materials.

• In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Ron Weasley mentions owning a Chocolate Frog Card of “Hengist of Woodcroft,” which is the only mention of the character in the seven-book series.
• The name “Hengist of Upper Barnton” originates from his Famous Witches and Wizards Card in the PC version of the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets video game. This version of the card provides the backstory of his fleeing Muggle persecution and founding Hogsmeade.
• The information that the Three Broomsticks Inn was once his house comes from the Pottermore (now Wizarding World) website.