Section of rubble walling east of Grammar School Cairn, on Cranshaw Thorn Hill

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. Within the landscape of Rombalds Moor are many discrete plots of land enclosed by stone walls or banks of stone and earth, most of which date to the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC), although earlier and later examples may also exist. They were constructed as protected areas for settlement, stock penning, or crop growing. They may be subdivided into a series of smaller enclosures; those used for settlement may retain evidence of the round huts originally located within them. The size and form of enclosures vary considerably, depending on their particular function. Their variation in form, longevity and relationship to other monument classes provide important information on the diversity of social organisation and farming practices among prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period and a substantial proportion of surviving examples are worthy of protection.

This walling survives well and is an element of a prehistoric landscape on Cranshaw Thorn Hill; it will also contribute to an understanding of wider prehistoric remains on Rombalds Moor.

Details

The monument includes a stretch of rubble walling on Cranshaw Thorn Hill, east of Grammar School Cairn. The walling runs approximately north-south, curving towards the east at its southern end. It is c.40m long and c.2m wide. It is not orthostatic but incorporates a number of boulders along its length. The walling lies in an area of prehistoric activity, as evidenced by carved stones and enclosures. It is identified as prehistoric, possibly being the remains of an enclosure, and is immediately associated with surrounding remains.

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:

25373

Legacy System:

RSM

End of official list entry

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