Details

The monument includes the remains of an unenclosed hut circle settlement of
Bronze Age date situated on the lower southern slope of Akeld Hill. The
settlement comprises a trackway and a linear scatter of four stone built hut
circles, each terraced into the hillside and with evidence for a porch. The
three most northerly hut circles lie in a natural hollow, the fourth lies on a
slight spur to the south west. From north to south the hut circles measure
respectively 3m, 4m, 4m and 6m in diameter internally with walls on average
1.5m wide and standing up to 0.3m high. There is evidence of slight artificial
terracing between the middle two hut circles. The trackway leads downhill from
the settlement south eastward for 55m and is a U-shaped hollow cut c.1.5m deep
into the hillslope; it measures between 5m and 8m wide at the top and 2m wide
at the base.

MAP EXTRACT
The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.

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 Bronze Age stone hut circles in the settlement north west of Gleadscleugh
are well preserved and will retain significant archaeological deposits. The
monument is situated within an area of clustered archaeological sites of high
quality and forms part of a wider archaeological landscape. As such it will
make a significant contribution to the study of the wider settlement pattern
during this period.

Source: Historic England