Defended settlement, 620m SSW of West Brizlee

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 West Brizlee is well preserved and retains significant archaeological deposits. The importance of the monument is enhanced by the survival of a second defended settlement in the vicinity which taken together will add greatly to our knowledge and understanding of the wider settlement pattern at this time.

Details

The monument includes a defended settlement of Iron Age date situated on slightly sloping ground with a westerly aspect. The enclosure, roughly circular in shape, measures a maximum of 40m east to west by 44m north to south within a substantial rampart of stone and earth which is on average 6m wide and stands to a maximum height of 1.8m above a surrounding ditch 5m wide. Where the matrix of the surrounding rampart is exposed around the south eastern side, the foundations of a stone wall two courses high are visible in the centre of the rampart. There is an original entrance 4m wide through the south east side of the enclosure. Immediately adjacent to the east rampart, a large circular hollow, possibly caused by a fallen tree, has revealed a large area of stone which may represent the site of a round house.

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:

25198

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Jobey, G, Archaeologia Aeliana in Hill Forts and Settlements in Northumberland, (1965), 64

Other
NU 11 SW 01,

End of official list entry

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