Details

The monument includes a prehistoric stone hut circle settlement located on a
gently sloping hillside plateau overlooking Scordale Beck, 320m south east of
Dow Scar. It includes an oval-shaped stone walled enclosure with maximum
external dimensions of 35m north west-south east by 23m north east-south west.
Within the enclosure are the lower courses of a stone hut circle, measuring 9m
in diameter, which is attached to the eastern side of the enclosure wall. At
the north western end of the enclosure a stone wall sub-divides the interior,
creating what is interpreted as a stock pen. On the south side of the
enclosure, attached to the outside of the enclosure wall, are the lower
courses of a second stone hut circle measuring 7.5m in diameter.

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 prehistoric stone hut circle settlement 320m south east of Dow Scar
survives well and is a good example of this class of monument. Along with
other prehistoric monuments in the vicinity it indicates the importance of
this area in prehistoric times and the diversity of monument classes to be
found here.

Source: Historic England