Cairnfield 420m south east of triangulation point on Gains Law

Reasons for Designation

Cairnfields are concentrations of cairns sited in close proximity to one another. They often consist largely of clearance cairns, built with stone cleared from the surrounding landsurface to improve its use for agriculture, and on occasion their distribution pattern can be seen to define field plots. However, funerary cairns are also frequently incorporated, although without excavation it may be impossible to determine which cairns contain burials. Clearance cairns were constructed from the Neolithic period (from c.3400 BC), although the majority of examples appear to be the result of field clearance which began during the earlier Bronze Age and continued into the later Bronze Age (2000-700 BC). The considerable longevity and variation in the size, content and associations of cairnfields provide important information on the development of land use and agricultural practices. Cairnfields also retain information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisation during the prehistoric period.

The cairnfield 420m south east of a triangulation point on Gains Law is reasonably well preserved and retains significant archaeological deposits. The monument contains evidence relating to agricultural and funerary practices within, beneath and between the cairns. It is situated within an area of prehistoric sites of high quality and forms part of a wider archaeological landscape. It will contribute to the study of prehistoric settlement and activity in this area.

Details

The monument includes a cairnfield of Bronze Age date situated slightly below the summit on the east side of Gains Law. It commands extensive views to the north and south. Further remains of prehistoric settlements and field systems in the vicinity are the subject of separate schedulings. The cairnfield has maximum dimensions of 260m north-south by 150m east-west. It contains the remains of at least 20 stone cairns. The mounds vary in size from 2m to 7m in diameter and stand to a maximum height of 0.55m high. Some of the cairns have kerbs around their perimeters and are interpreted as funerary in origin.

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:

31742

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
NT 92 NE 172,

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