Reasons for Designation
Rombalds Moor is an eastern outlier of the main Pennine range lying between
the valleys of the Wharfe and the Aire. The bulk of this area of 90 sq km of
rough moorland lies over 200m above sea level. The moor is particularly rich
in remains of prehistoric activity. The most numerous relics are the rock
carvings which can be found on many of the boulders and outcrops scattered
across the moor. Burial monuments, stone circles and a range of enclosed
settlements are also known.
A ring cairn is a prehistoric ritual monument comprising a circular bank of
stones up to 20m in diameter surrounding a central hollow area. The bank may
be kerbed on both sides with small uprights or laid boulders. They are found
mainly in upland areas and may occur singly, in small groups, or in
association with other types of contemporary burial monument. They are
interpreted as ritual monuments of Early and Middle Bronze Age date, although
the nature of the rituals is not fully understood. Excavation has revealed
pits, some containing burials and others containing charcoal and pottery taken
to indicate feasting activities associated with the burial rituals. As a
relatively rare class of monument exhibiting considerable variation in form,
all positively identified examples retaining significant archaeological
deposits are considered worthy of protection.
Details
The monument includes a ring cairn situated c.90m ESE of the Great Skirtful of
Stones. It consists of a low, circular rubble bank 27m in diameter. The bank
width is c.2m and its height is c.0.3m. The bank is partially robbed on the
northern and eastern sides. There is a hollow slightly off centre in the
enclosed area; this may be the result of an earlier excavation.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
25285
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
