Prehistoric hut circle 540m south of Gleadscleugh

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.

The prehistoric hut circle 540m south of Gleadscleugh survives well and retains signficant archaeological deposits. Its importance is enhanced by the presence of other broadly contemporary settlements each side of the Akeld Burn valley and it is one of a group of archaeological sites on Harehope Hill whose remains are well preserved. It will contribute to any study of the settlement pattern during this period.

Details

This monument includes the remains of a prehistoric hut circle situated above the valley of the Akeld Burn. The hut circle survives as an upstanding feature in heather moorland. It measures 15m north-south by 10m internally and is defined by a bank of earth and stone 0.5m high. Within the enclosing bank there is a slight platform in the south west quarter.

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:

29348

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
NT 92 NE 34,

End of official list entry

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