Reasons for Designation
Unenclosed hut circle settlements were the dwelling places of prehistoric
farmers. The hut circles take a variety of forms. Some are stone based and are
visible as low walls or banks enclosing a circular floor area. Others were
timber constructions and only the shallow groove in which the timber uprights
used in the wall construction stood can now be identified; this may survive as
a slight earthwork feature or may be visible on aerial photographs. Some can
only be identified by the artificial earthwork platforms created as level
stances for the houses. The number of houses in a settlement varies between
one and twelve. In areas where they were constructed on hillslopes the
platforms on which the houses stood are commonly arrayed in tiers along the
contour of the slope. Several settlements have been shown to be associated
with organised field plots, the fields being defined by low stony banks or
indicated by groups of clearance cairns.
Many unenclosed settlements have been shown to date to the Bronze Age but it
is also clear that they were still being constructed and used in the Early
Iron Age. They provide an important contrast to the various types of enclosed
and defended settlements which were also being constructed and used around the
same time. Their longevity of use and their relationship with other monument
types provides important information on the diversity of social organisation
and farming practices amongst prehistoric communities.
Details
The monument includes a hut circle of prehistoric date, situated on the east
slope of Humbleton Hill. Further remains of prehistoric settlements, field
systems and cairns in the vicinity are the subject of separate schedulings.
The hut circle is situated on a small level platform, 7m by 7m, formed by a
combination of scooping into the hillslope on the west edge and the creation
of a platform of upcast material on the eastern edge. The platform is scooped
into the hillside to a depth of 1m, the upcast platform stands up to 1.25m
high. The hut circle is defined on the eastern side by a bank of earth and
stone 1m wide and up to 0.3m high.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
31739
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
