Reasons for Designation
During the later prehistoric period (7th - 5th centuries BC) a variety of
different types of defensive settlements were 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.
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. All well-preserved examples are believed to be of national
importance.
Details
The monument includes a univallate defended settlement of Iron Age date
situated on the flat shoulder of a hill overlooked by higher ground to the
east. The settlement, circular in shape, measures 45m in diameter within a
slight rampart of earth and stone measuring 5m across and varying in height
from 0.3m to 1.2m. Beyond the rampart on the southern side of the enclosure
there is a ditch 6m wide and 0.6m deep. It is uncertain whether the ditch
originally continued around all sides of the enclosure. The entrance lies in
the centre of the eastern side but is no longer visible above ground. Within
the enclosure there are the stone foundations of at least one circular house
8m in diameter and traces of a possible second house 5m in diameter; these
houses are consistent with Romano-British re-use of the Iron Age enclosure.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
21013
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
