Description

The monument comprises the remains of an enclosure of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs. It is likely to represent a former enclosed settlement of the later prehistoric period although it may instead represent an earlier ritual enclosure such as a henge.

The monument is in a flat arable field at around 80m OD, close to the modern farm of Fletcherfield. The enclosure is defined by a broad penannular ditch, some 6m wide, with an overall diameter of approximately 25m. It has a well-defined, narrow, NE-facing entrance. The enclosure appears somewhat too large to represent a former roofed structure, although its internal diameter, at approximately 12m, is relatively small for a prehistoric enclosed settlement.

There are other indications of later prehistoric settlement in the vicinity which suggest that it may represent part of a wider system of settlement and land use in the vicinity.

It is not impossible, however, that the enclosure belongs to a somewhat earlier period and represents a small ritual enclosure of henge type.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the enclosure and an area around it in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is circular with a diameter of 80m as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of later prehistoric enclosed settlement and economy. In the event that it is an earlier, ritual enclosure it would be of equal, if not greater, importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of earlier prehistoric ritual practices.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO 45 SW 15.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland