Reasons for Designation
During the mid-prehistoric period (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. All well-preserved examples are believed to be of national
importance.
In Cumbria and Northumberland several distinctive types of native settlements
dating to the Roman period have been identified. The majority were small, non-
defensive, enclosed homesteads or farms. In many areas they were of stone
construction, although in the coastal lowlands timber built variants were also
common. In much of Northumberland, especially in the Cheviots, the enclosures
were curvilinear in form. Further south a rectangular form was more common.
Elsewhere, especially near the Scottish Border, another type occurs where the
settlement enclosure was `scooped' into the hillslope. Frequently the
enclosures reveal a regularity and similarity of internal layout. The standard
layout included one or more stone round houses situated towards the rear of
the enclosure, facing the single entranceway. In front of the houses were
pathways and small enclosed yards. Homesteads normally had only one or two
houses, but larger enclosures could contain as many as six. At some sites the
settlement appears to have grown, often with houses spilling out of the main
enclosure and clustered around it. At these sites up to 30 houses may be
found. In the Cumbrian uplands the settlements were of less regimented form
and unenclosed clusters of houses of broadly contemporary date are also known.
These homesteads were being constructed and used by non-Roman natives
throughout the period of the Roman occupation. Their origins lie in settlement
forms developed before the arrival of the Romans. These homesteads are common
throughout the uplands where they frequently survive as well preserved
earthworks. In lowland coastal areas they were also originally common,
although there they can frequently only be located through aerial photography.
All homestead sites which survive substantially intact will normally be
identified as nationally important.
The defended settlement on Ward Law is reasonably well preserved and it
retains significant archaeological deposits. The importance of the monument
is enhanced by the survival of similar and other forms of later prehistoric
settlement in the vicinity. It will contribute to any study of the wider
settlement pattern at this time.
Details
The monument includes a defended settlement of Iron Age date and a later
settlement of Romano-British date situated on the end of a promontory above
the Wardlaw Burn. The eastern end of the earlier settlement has been partially
obscured by the remains of the Romano-British settlement. The Iron Age
settlement is roughly oval in shape and measures 75m north-south by 93m
east-west within a single earthen rampart, 4m wide, standing to a maximum
height of 0.4m above the interior. Surrounding the rampart, but now only well
defined on the north, west and south sides, there is a broad ditch, 6m wide
and 1.2m deep, below the top of the rampart. Outside the ditch there is a
counterscarp bank, 3m wide and 0.6m high, above the top of the ditch. Within
the enclosure there are several hollows and scoops which may represent the
sites of prehistoric timber houses; however, an indistinct rectilinear
enclosure and the foundations of two circular structures situated to the
north east of the settlement are interpreted as Romano-British remains and,
together with those within the enclosure, they are thought to represent reuse
of the defended settlement during the Roman period.
MAP EXTRACT
The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.
It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features,
considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.
