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 defended settlement of Iron Age date situated on the
northern slopes of a hill. The enclosure, irregular in shape, measures a
maximum of 68m east to west by 54m north to south within a rampart of stone
and earth clearly defined on the western half of the enclosure where it is on
average 5m wide and stands to a height of over 2m. Around the eastern half of
the enclosure this rampart is visible as a low scarp 0.4m high. Surrounding
the rampart on the western half, there is a substantial ditch 7m wide and up
to 1m deep below the rampart. Outside the ditch there is a second bank on
average 3m wide and 0.5m high above the external ground level. The ditch and
the outer rampart are not visible around the eastern half of the enclosure and
it is considered that on this side the outer defences were not completed.
There is an entrance into the enclosure at its southern end where a length of
hollow way 9m wide leads down the hill into the enclosure for a distance of
16m beyond the line of the ditch. The later earth bank which crosses the north
side of the monument is included in the scheduling as its removal may damage
important archaeological features.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
25197
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals 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
