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 is situated on a north facing slope on the lower flanks of
High Harker Hill overlooking the confluence of two major valleys. The site
would appear to have been chosen to utilize the spread of a natural stream
gulley which has created a hollow in the hillside and which has been
subsequently levelled. The monument is oval in shape and measures 108m east to
west by 88m north to south. The area has been enclosed by a substantial
surrounding ditch and an inner rampart upon which are the footings of a stone
wall. On the south side the ditch has been cut across the natural steep slope
giving the exaggerated appearance of a massive inner rampart and in the south
west the natural gulley has been truncated by the enclosing work. There are no
traces of an external bank or wall although a predominantly earthen bank
emanates from the west side of the ditch and runs along the crest of the
gulley, terminating at its head. This bank would appear to be contemporary
with the enclosure.
Access to the enclosure is in the east, where limited excavation has
revealed large corner and facing stones forming an entrance 5m wide. A length
of banking and short stretch of wall on the internal south side of the
entrance may be the remains of some form of enclosure for gateway protection.
This entrance is approached by a probably contemporary stone walled avenue,
now tumbled, 114m long and averaging 6m wide between inner faces.
Within the interior of the enclosure and slightly scarped into the inner
rampart, are the remains of a stone founded hut circle with a diameter of 11m
and 0.4m high with no definite traces of an entrance. An amorphous stony
platform 20m to the south west, also slightly scarped into the inner rampart
may also be a hut foundation.
At the eastern extent of the avenue is a large and somewhat mutilated
round barrow built of earth and gravel 1.7m high with dimensions of 35m east
to west by 28m north to south.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
24535
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
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
