Details

The monument includes a group of three hut circles of Prehistoric/Romano-
British date and a linear boundary situated on an area of marshy ground
between two tributaries of Gunnerton Burn. The three hut circles are visible
as circular foundations scooped into a slope; the two most westerly of the
three measure 6m in diameter; the third lies 20m east of them and measures
6.8m by 8.6m across. A larger scooped area, oval in shape, is situated between
two of the circles and measures 14m by 10m across. The hut circles are bounded
on the north and west by a marshy area and on the south and east by a linear
boundary which comprises a ditch 3m to 5m wide and 0.3m deep, outside of which
is an earth and stone bank varying between 3m and 5m wide and up to 0.3m high.
Traces of a bank inside the ditch are visible. The boundary is sinuous and
runs in a south-westerly direction for 85m before making a right-angled turn
and running north-west for 50m. In this latter section of the boundary there
is a gap in the bank 6m wide with a causeway across the ditch.

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.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

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.

The hut circles and associated linear boundary south-east of Low Cowden are
well preserved and retain significant archaeological deposits. The adjacent
marshy area retains conditions suitable for the preservation of environmental
and artefactual information. The site is one of a group of settlements in this
area and will contribute to study of the wider settlement pattern at this
period.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
5438,

Source: Historic England