Details

This monument includes an oval enclosure with walling which is partly
orthostatic and partly roughly coursed. It is situated at the western side of
Hawksworth Moor c.183m north east of Horncliff House, on the other side of
Horncliffe Slade.
The enclosure is 11m in length and 9.5m in width and has a central,
sub-circular hollow 2.5m x 2.2m. This is roughly ringed with stone and is 0.4m
deep. A possible wall line runs north from the central hollow to the external
wall. The central hollow and its surrounding ring of stones are interpreted as
the result of antiquarian excavations.
This monument has previously been identified as a stone circle; this is no
longer considered appropriate. It is similar in size, construction and shape
to other small enclosures found in northern England. These are frequently
found in association with burial mounds and are identified as ritual sites in
which burials were placed.

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

Rombalds Moor is an eastern outlier of the main Pennine range lying between
the valleys of the Wharfe and the Aire. The bulk of this area of 90 sq km of
rough moorland lies over 200m above sea level. The moor is particularly rich
in remains of prehistoric activity. The most numerous relics are the rock
carvings which can be found on many of the boulders and outcrops scattered
across the moor. Burial monuments, stone circles and a range of enclosed
settlements are also known.
Within the landscape of Rombalds Moor are many discrete plots of land enclosed
by stone walls or banks of stone and earth, most of which date to the Bronze
Age (c.2000-700 BC), although earlier and later examples may also exist. They
were constructed as protected areas for settlement, stock penning, or crop
growing. They may be subdivided into a series of smaller enclosures; those
used for settlement may retain evidence of the round huts originally located
within them. The size and form of enclosures vary considerably, depending on
their particular function. Their variation in form, longevity and relationship
to other monument classes provide important information on the diversity of
social organisation and farming practices among prehistoric communities. They
are particularly representative of their period and a substantial proportion
of surviving examples are worthy of protection.

This enclosure is well preserved and is important evidence of prehistoric
activity on Rombalds Moor. The enclosure is unusual in having a ritual rather
than settlement function. It will retain significant information on this use,
including evidence of any burials placed within it.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
'Bradford Archaeology Group Bulletin' in Bradford Archaeology Group Bulletin, , Vol. 2/1, (1956), 6
Lukis, Rev W C, 'Bradford Archaeology Group Bulletin' in Bradford Archaeology Group Bulletin, , Vol. 4/12, (1959), 63
Vyner, B E, 'Antiquity' in The Territory Of Ritual..., , Vol. 68, (1994), 35
Other
Title: OS card SW14 SW 21
Source Date: 1965
Author:
Publisher:
Surveyor:

Source: Historic England