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 a univallate prehistoric defended enclosure and an
associated hollow way and secondary enclosure to the north west and west of
the main defended enclosure respectively. It is located on a slight terrace on
the lower slopes of Claughton Moor overlooking the Lune valley. The
prehistoric enclosure is approximately D-shaped and measures a maximum of
c.58m by 57m internally. It is defended by a shallow ditch up to 9m wide with
a slight counterscarp bank varying between 3m-10m wide and up to 0.4m high on
the north and south west sides. At the centre of the enclosure there is an
oval-shaped terraced area measuring 17m by 14m which is interpreted as a hut
circle or hut platform. It has been cut into the slight hillslope and has a
shallow ditch on its southern side. There is an entrance on the enclosure's
north western side from which a hollow way measuring 10m-15m wide runs
downhill towards the valley bottom for a short distance. Adjacent to the
western side of the main enclosure there is a sub-rectangular secondary
enclosure measuring 70m by 45m at its widest points and defended by a slight
ditch on its north west and south west sides.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
23761
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
