Summary

Settlement enclosure, 261m north west of Thistlebottom.

Source: Historic England

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 01 March 2016. This record has been generated from an "old county number" (OCN) scheduling record. These are monuments that were not reviewed under the Monuments Protection Programme and are some of our oldest designation records.

The monument includes the remains of a settlement enclosure of Iron Age date, situated on a south east facing slope overlooking Eller Beck. The enclosure is sub-rectangular measuring approximately 50m by 45m and is surrounded by a low bank with an entrance on its west side. The enclosure is cut into the slope on its north side to provide a level interior.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

During the earlier Iron Age (seventh to fifth centuries BC) a variety of different types of defensive settlements began to be constructed and occupied in the northern uplands of England. The most obvious sites were hillforts built in prominent locations. In addition to these a range of smaller sites, sometimes with an enclosed area of less than 1ha and defined as defended settlements, were also constructed. Some of these were located on hilltops, others are found in less prominent positions. The enclosing defences were of earthen construction, some sites having a single bank and ditch (univallate), others having more than one (multivallate). At some sites these earthen ramparts represent a second phase of defence, the first having been a timber fence or palisade. Within the enclosure a number of stone or timber-built round houses were occupied by the inhabitants. Stock may also have been kept in these houses, especially during the cold winter months, or in enclosed yards outside them. The communities occupying these sites were probably single family groups, the defended settlements being used as farmsteads. Construction and use of this type of site extended over several centuries, possibly through to the early Romano-British period (mid to late first century AD). Defended settlements are a rare monument type. They were an important element of the later prehistoric settlement pattern of the northern uplands and are important for any study of the developing use of fortified settlements during this period. All well-preserved examples are believed to be of national importance.

The settlement enclosure 261m north west of Thistlebottom is reasonably well-preserved as an earthwork. The monument will contain archaeological deposits relating to its construction, use and abandonment and environmental deposits related to the use of the surrounding landscape. The enclosure provides insight into the character of settlement and subsistence during the Iron Age.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
PastScape Monument No:- 9882

Source: Historic England