Defended settlement, 800m NNW of Rough Castles

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.

The defended settlement near Rough Castles is well preserved and retains significant archaeological deposits. The importance of the monument is enhanced by the survival of a nearby contemporary settlement which taken together will add greatly to any study of the wider prehistoric settlement pattern at this time.

Details

The monument includes a defended settlement of Iron Age date situated on low lying slightly sloping ground with a northerly aspect. The enclosure, circular in shape measures a maximum of 42m in diameter within a rampart of stone and earth which is on average 6m wide and stands to a maximum height of 1.2m. Surrounding the rampart there is a substantial ditch 6m wide and up to 1.5m deep below the rampart. There are two original entrances 4m wide through the rampart and ditch at the north west and the south eastern sides. A break in the east wall of the settlement is considered to be of later date. The later earth bank which crosses the south side of the monument is included in the scheduling as its removal may damage important archaeological deposits.

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:

25196

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
MacLaughlan, H, Memoir to Survey of Eastern Branch of the Watling Street, (1864), 18
Jobey, G, Archaeologia Aeliana in Hill Forts and Settlements in Northumberland, (1965), 64

Other
NU 00 NE 08,

End of official list entry

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