Reasons for Designation
Bodmin Moor, the largest of the Cornish granite uplands, has long been recognised to have exceptional preservation of archaeological remains. The Moor has been the subject of detailed archaeological survey and is one of the best recorded upland landscapes in England. The extensive relict landscapes of prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval date provide direct evidence for human exploitation of the Moor from the earliest prehistoric period onwards. The well-preserved and often visible relationship between settlement sites, field systems, ceremonial and funerary monuments as well as later industrial remains provides significant insights into successive changes in the pattern of land use through time. Stone hut circles were the dwelling places of prehistoric farmers on the Moor, mostly dating from the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC). The stone-based round houses survive as low walls or banks enclosing a circular floor area; remains of a turf or thatch roof are not preserved. The huts occur singly or in small or large groups and may occur in the open or be enclosed by a bank of earth and stone. Although they are common on the Moor, their longevity of use and their relationship with other monument types provides important information on the diversity of social organisation and farming practices among prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period. The two stone hut circles 130m south east of Highsteps survive well and will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to their construction, longevity, function, relative chronologies, agricultural practices, domestic arrangements and overall landscape context.
Details
The monument, which falls into two areas of protection, includes two stone hut circles situated on the upper south west facing slopes of a ridge, overlooking the valley of a tributary to the River Camel. The northern hut circle survives as a circular interior, measuring approximately 8m in diameter, defined by double-faced walls measuring 1.5m wide by 0.8m high. Its perimeter is incorporated into a modern hedge. The southern hut measures 4.5m in diameter internally and is defined by a single-faced wall of up to 1m wide and 0.7m high, with an entrance to the south.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 889
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
