Reasons for Designation
Stone hut circles and hut circle settlements were the dwelling places of
prehistoric farmers. Most date from the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC). The stone-
based round-houses consist of low walls or banks enclosing a circular floor
area; the remains of the turf, thatch or heather roofs are not preserved. The
huts may occur singly or in small or large groups and may lie in the open or
be enclosed by a bank of earth or stone. Frequently traces of their associated
field systems may be found immediately around them. These may be indicated by
areas of clearance cairns and/or the remains of field walls and other
enclosures. The longevity of use of hut circle settlements and their
relationship with other monument types provides important information on the
diversity of social organisation and farming practices amongst prehistoric
communities. They are particularly representative of their period and a
substantial proportion of surviving examples are considered worthy of
protection.
Details
The monument includes an unenclosed settlement consisting of the remains of
two hut circles and an adjacent enclosure. It is situated on Barningham Moor,
260m south east of Cowclose House, and is bisected by the road from Barningham
to Haythwaite, and by a deep ditch on the south side of the road.
The hut circles are located to the south of the road. The southern hut circle
is sub-circular, approximately 10m in diameter, with a substantial rubble bank
about 2.5m wide and 0.5m high. It is more irregular and less clear on its
north side where there may have been an entrance. The northern hut circle is
cut by the road ditch; the visible remains survive as an arc of rubble bank,
about 9m long, 2m wide and 0.4m high, on the south side of the ditch. A saddle
quern and rubber stone were found in the ditch.
The enclosure is to the north of the road. It would have been used for
agricultural purposes, possibly for holding stock. It is approximately 23m
wide and 23m long, with a rubble bank wall up to 5m wide and 0.7m
high. A further, less substantial curving bank, about 3m wide, 0.3m high,
and 11m long is attached to the west corner of the enclosure. This may have
been part of a further enclosure or field system.
The surface of the road is excluded from the scheduling, although the ground
beneath is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
30489
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
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
