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 on gently sloping
ground set a short distance back from a rocky ridge which commands extensive
views across the valley of the River Tyne. The enclosure, oval in shape,
measures 104m east to west by 74m north to south within a ditch varying
between 7m to 8m wide and up to 1.3m deep. The ditch is infilled with silt for
much of its circuit and is most prominent on the northern side. Within the
ditch there are traces of an inner rampart of stone and earth which is best
preserved at the western end where it is a maximum of 6m wide and 0.3m high.
Outside of the ditch fragmentary remains of a counter-scarp bank are visible
on all sides but the north, where it has been levelled by the construction of
the road and is best preserved at the western end. There are opposing
entrances through the east and the west sides of the enclosure, carried across
the ditch on causeways 3.6m wide and 4.8m wide respectively.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
25187
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
