Details

The monument includes the remains of an enclosed settlement of prehistoric
date, situated beneath a crag on the steep eastern slopes of the College
Valley. The settlement is visible as an oval enclosure, 45.5m north to south
by 21.5m east to west, which abuts a crag on the east side. The enclosure bank
is constructed from large, loose, irregular rocks which have been partly
cleared from the interior to form a barrier 0.5m high by 1.5m wide. A hut
circle, 4.5m in diameter with an entrance through the north west side, is
situated within the enclosure at its southern end.

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 enclosed settlement 920m south east of Whitehall is well-preserved and
will provide evidence for the nature of prehistoric settlement and land use in
the area. The remains of the house and the associated domestic debris will
enhance our understanding of everyday life at this time. In addition, the
structure of the settlement will reveal details of the manner of its
construction. It is situated within an area of clustered and well-preserved
archaeological sites and forms part of a wider archaeological landscape in the
north Cheviots.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
NT 82 NE 129,
Topping, P, A Survey of College Valley, North Northumberland, 1981, BA Dissertation, University of Durham

Source: Historic England