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.
Details
The monument includes the remains of a defended enclosure of Iron Age date
situated on the crest of a south east facing spur. The enclosure, roughly
circular in shape, measures 50m in diameter within a narrow ditch up to 2.5m
wide and 0.6m deep. Outside the ditch there is a substantial earthen bank 5m
wide and a maximum of 1m high above the external ground surface. On the
western side of the enclosure there are several large stones embedded in the
bank; these are interpreted as the remains of an outer revetment. The
existence of an internal rather than an external ditch is an unusual feature
in this enclosure. On the south east side of the enclosure the bank has been
levelled and the ditch infilled, however the latter can be traced for part of
its course as a damp hollow. Immediately to the south of the enclosure there
are the remains of at least two rectangular buildings first noted by
MacLaughlan in 1867 when there were apparently more than two. The two
remaining buildings measure 10m by 5m and are placed at an angle to each
other. It is presumed that the other buildings have been destroyed by the
adjacent fire break.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
25112
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
