Thence it fell into the Deeping-coomb and out into the Westfold Vale. There in the Hornburg at Helm’s Gate Erkenbrand, master of the Westfold on the borders of the Mark, now dwelt.
– The Two Towers(Book 3), Chapter 7
The Westfold is a region in the west of Rohan, and is one of the more populated parts of the kingdom. The Westfold is the region of Rohan closest to Isengard, and features the fortress of the Hornburg at Helm’s Deep, as well as many Rohirric towns and villages. The Great West Road runs through the Westfold.
History
Since the early Third Age, the Westfold was a part of the Gondorian province of Calenardhon. It was sparsely inhabited by the Dúnedain, the population being mostly of Middle men. The Gondorians built the fortress of Aglarond (later known as the Hornburg) in the White Mountains to guard the Gap of Rohan, opposite to the fortress of Angrenost in the Misty Mountains. Towards the end of the age, Gondor gradually lost sway over the region, until it was ceded by Steward Cirion to the Éothéod after the Battle of the Field of Celebrant in T.A. 2510, thus becoming a part of Rohan. 250 years later, Rohan was overrun by Dunlendings, forcing King Helm to take refuge in the Hornburg, where he frequently snuck out into the Westfold during the Long Winter to gather supplies. After his death and the eventual victory over the Dunlendings, the gorge behind the fortress became known as Helm’s Deep. The region remains under Rohirric control, with forces maintained at the Hornburg.
Geography
The Westfold is situated along some of the northern foothills of the White Mountains, and along the Great West Road. To the east is the Folde, and to the north are the plains of the Westemnet and Fangorn forest. The western border consists mostly of the Isen, though there is a small sliver between the river and the White Mountains through which the West-march can be accessed. The terrain itself is well populated, with towns, villages and homesteads used for both arable and pastoral farming. The northern part of the region is flatter and less inhabited than the foothills of the White Mountains, and is used for grazing and peat farming.
Climate
The climate is good for both crop farming and grazing, though it can be vulnerable to storms coming off the Misty Mountains.
Culture
The culture of the Westfold is Rohirric, with settlements consisting mainly of longhouses. They have a deep love for horses, and many inhabitants are skilled riders, and there may also be cultural influence from nearby Dunland and the West-march.
Governance
The Westfold is under the control of the King of Rohan, though other significant figures include the Second Marshal of the Riddermark and the Lord of Deeping-coomb. Local leaders have their own areas of influence, but are ultimately subject to the King.
Economy
The economy of the Westfold is agrarian, with both pastoral and arable farming practiced extensively. Some larger settlements have more specialised trades, such as blacksmiths, and many people work either within or in support of the fortress of the Hornburg.
