Description

The monument comprises the remains of a fort of prehistoric date surviving as a series of earthworks adjacent to the modern farm of Garvald Mains.

The fort lies at approximately 180m OD on the SW end of a plateau above Donolly Burn to the W. Steep slopes to the S and W make this a good defensive site. The fort commands extensive views over the locality and particularly to the N where major prehistoric fortified sites at Traprain Law, North Berwick Law and the Garleton Hills are visible.

The fort is defined by a single rampart enclosing a sub-circular area some 80-90m in diameter. The rampart survives up to 4m high externally and is founded at least partially on outcrop. The effect of height has been enhanced somewhat by ploughing around the base of the ramparts.

The main body of the rampart appears to comprise mixed earth and rubble but there are clear indications of a stone wall surmounting this construction, particularly in the NE sector. The interior of the fort, although levelled by ploughing, is higher than the surrounding area. The ramparts have a maximum internal height of 1.2m.

The area to be scheduled is sub-circular with a maximum diameter of 120m as marked in red on the accompanying map. It encompasses the fort and the immediate area around it in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of prehistoric defensive settlement. The ramparts appear to contain evidence for complex and possibly multi-period construction. The interior is likely to contain the remains of contemporary domestic buildings.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 56 NE 4.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland