Reasons for Designation
Round cairns are prehistoric funerary monuments dating to the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC). They were constructed as earthen or rubble mounds, the latter predominating in areas of upland Britain where such raw materials were locally available in abundance. Round cairns may cover single or multiple burials and are sometimes surrounded by an outer ditch. Often occupying prominent locations, they are a major visual element in the modern landscape. Their considerable variation in form and longevity as a monument type provide important information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisation amongst early prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period. Despite early partial excavation and robbing, the enclosure containing eight round cairns known as Bartine Castle, survives comparatively well and is unusual because the round cairns appear to have been ritually enclosed behind a surrounding bank and there are at least two distinct types of cairn present. The cairns and bank will contain archaeological and environmental information relating to their construction, longevity, funerary and ritual practices, territorial significance, social organisation and overall landscape context.
Details
The monument includes an enclosure containing eight round cairns, three of which are kerbed cairns, situated at the summit of the prominent Bartine Hill which provides excellent views all round but a poor defensive location. The enclosure survives as a roughly circular interior measuring approximately 75m in diameter. It is defined by a low earth and stone bank measuring up to 7m wide and 0.2m high. The eight round cairns are of various sizes. The westernmost kerbed cairn has an Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar inserted into it and one to the north east has the remains of a drystone kerb. The monument was described by Borlase in 1750 and by Henderson in the 1930's and the internal features have been variously described as hut circles, or cairns.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 96
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
