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.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

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.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
NT 92 NE 34,

Source: Historic England