Reasons for Designation
Prehistoric enclosures are plots of land usually enclosed by stone walls or
banks of stone and earth in upland areas, and banks of earth with an external
ditch in lowland areas. Many date to the Bronze Age (c.2000 - 500 BC) although
earlier and later examples also exist. They were constructed as stock pens or
as protected areas for crop growing and were sometimes subdivided to
accommodate animal shelters and hut circle settlements. The size and form of
prehistoric enclosures may therefore vary very considerably, depending on
their particular function. Their variation in form, longevity, and their
relationship to other monument classes provides important information on the
diversity of social organisation and farming practices among prehistoric
communities. Field systems provide important evidence of a carefully planned
reorganisation of landscape and definition of landholdings. Their articulation
with other contemporary archaeological features, such as land boundaries and
enclosures, provide an insight into agricultural practices and activity during
the Bronze Age.
The prehistoric enclosure and associated field system south east of Ivy
Cottage remains clearly visible on aerial photographs, despite the fact that
no upstanding earthworks survive. The monument lies within the Eden valley and
its tributary valleys, an area whose rich agricultural soils supported a
considerable prehistoric and Romano-British population from Neolithic times
onwards, and it will contribute to any further study of the early settlement
patterns of the area.
Details
The monument includes a prehistoric enclosure and associated field system
located south east of Ivy Cottage on the lower northern slopes of Barrock
Fell. The site is visible as crop marks on aerial photographs which clearly
show features such as infilled ditches and hut circles.
The aerial photographs show a curvilinear ditched enclosure measuring
approximately 60m across its widest parts and containing two hut circles
adjacent to its northern side, two oval hut circles or small enclosures at the
eastern side, and traces of a hut circle adjacent to the western side. There
is an entrance at the enclosure's north western corner. To the north of the
enclosure aerial photographs have identified the infilled ditches of a field
system. This includes two sub-rectangular fields or enclosures at the northern
end of the complex which are joined to the main enclosure by fragmented traces
of parallel ditches. Other fragmented infilled ditches belonging to this field
system lie to the north west of the main enclosure.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
23671
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
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
