Univallate prehistoric defended enclosure, hollow way and secondary enclosure 250m north of Claughton Hall

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.

Despite being partially crossed by three modern field boundaries which have subsequently been removed, the univallate hillfort, hollow way and secondary enclosure 250m north of Claughton Hall survives reasonably well. It overlooks the River Lune and is one of a number of prehistoric and Romano-British settlements similarly located in close proximity to the Lune valley. The monument will contribute to any further study of early settlement patterns in the area.

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.

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.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

23761

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
Title: Source Date: Author: Publisher: Surveyor: 1:10000 & 1:2500
Lancs SMR Ref No. 1197, Gibbon, P, Claughton, (1978)
Lancs SMR Ref No. 1197, Gibbon, P, Claughton, (1978)
SMR No. 1197, Lancs SMR, Claughton, (1984)
In Lancs SMR, Gibbon, P, Claughton, (1978)

End of official list entry

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