Roundabouts camp

Summary

Roundabouts defended settlement, 250m north east of The Pillars.

Reasons for Designation

During the earlier Iron Age (seventh to fifth centuries BC) a variety of different types of defensive settlements began to be constructed and occupied in the northern uplands of England. The most obvious sites were hillforts built in prominent locations. In addition to these a range of smaller sites, sometimes with an enclosed area of less than 1ha and defined as defended settlements, were also constructed. Some of these were located on hilltops, others are found in less prominent positions. The enclosing defences were of earthen construction, some sites having a single bank and ditch (univallate), others having more than one (multivallate). At some sites these earthen ramparts represent a second phase of defence, the first having been a timber fence or palisade. Within the enclosure a number of stone or timber-built round houses were occupied by the inhabitants. Stock may also have been kept in these houses, especially during the cold winter months, or in enclosed yards outside them. The communities occupying these sites were probably single family groups, the defended settlements being used as farmsteads. Construction and use of this type of site extended over several centuries, possibly through to the early Romano-British period (mid to late first century AD). Defended settlements are a rare monument type. They were an important element of the later prehistoric settlement pattern of the northern uplands and are important for any study of the developing use of fortified settlements during this period.

The monument is preserved as a cropmark and analysis of the presence of multiple ditches indicates that it will contain archaeological deposits relating to its construction, use and abandonment. The monument is representative of its period and provides insight into the character of settlement and subsistence in the Iron Age.

History

See Details.

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 1 June 2016. This record has been generated from an "old county number" (OCN) scheduling record. These are monuments that were not reviewed under the Monuments Protection Programme and are some of our oldest designation records.

The monument includes the remains of an Iron Age multivallate defended settlement, situated on a gradual north east facing slope. The sub-circular enclosure, which survives as a cropmark or low earthwork, is approximately 80m in diameter and is surrounded by at least two ditches. The form and location of the monument indicates it to be an Iron Age defended settlement.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

ND 552

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

Sources

Other
PastScape Monument No:- 7748

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