Reasons for Designation
In Cumbria and Northumberland several distinctive types of native settlements
dating to the Roman period have been identified. The majority were small, non-
defensive, enclosed homesteads or farms. In many areas they were of stone
construction, although in the coastal lowlands timber-built variants were also
common. In much of Northumberland, especially in the Cheviots, the enclosures
were curvilinear in form. Further south a rectangular form was more common.
Elsewhere, especially near the Scottish border, another type occurs where the
settlement enclosure was `scooped' into the hillslope. Frequently the
enclosures reveal a regularity and similarity of internal layout. The standard
layout included one or more stone round-houses situated towards the rear of
the enclosure, facing the single entranceway. In front of the houses were
pathways and small enclosed yards. Homesteads normally had only one or two
houses, but larger enclosures could contain as many as six. At some sites the
settlement appears to have grown, often with houses spilling out of the main
enclosure and clustered around it. At these sites up to 30 houses may be
found. In the Cumbrian uplands the settlements were of less regimented form
and unenclosed clusters of houses of broadly contemporary date are also known.
These homesteads were being constructed and used by non-Roman natives
throughout the period of the Roman occupation. Their origins lie in settlement
forms developed before the arrival of the Romans. These homesteads are common
throughout the uplands where they frequently survive as well-preserved
earthworks. In lowland coastal areas they were also originally common,
although there they can frequently only be located through aerial photography.
All homestead sites which survive substantially intact will normally be
identified as nationally important.
Details
The monument includes a Roman period native settlement located on the lower
north east slopes of Snear Hill. The settlement is situated on gently sloping
ground; the visible remains comprise a scooped enclosure with the remnants of
two later steadings and a steading and enclosure abutting the east side.
The settlement is roughly oval in plan and measures 32m east-west by 40m
north-south overall. The enclosure is scooped to a maximum depth of 2m on the
west side with the remaining sides enclosed by an earth and stone bank 5m wide
and up to 1.5m high. Kerb stones are visible on the internal face of the bank.
Within the enclosure are two later rectangular steadings, c.8m by 4m and c.4m
square. Also, attached to the east side of the enclosure, is an oval sheep pen
and steading which have been constructed from the original bank material.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
29305
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
