Description

The monument comprises the remains of an enclosed settlement of later prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs. The monument appears to belong to a class of rectilinear and square, defended domestic settlements widely believed to

represent native settlements dating to the period around the time of the Roman invasions of Scotland.

The monument lies just below the crest of an E-W running ridge above Thornton Burn at around 100m OD, with an open outlook to the N. It comprises a sub-square enclosure defined by a ditch some 3-4m wide enclosing an area approximately 45m NE-SW by 45m. The NE quadrant of the interior is occupied by a diffuse, dark, circular cropmark which appears to represent the remains of occupation deposits associated with a substantial structure.

The enclosing ditch does not seem to be continuous at this point and it appears that the wall of the structure may have formed this part of the enclosure. The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible features and an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is sub-rectangular with maximum dimensions of 80m N-S by 70m 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 contribute to our understanding of the changing nature of high-status domestic settlement in the period of Roman influence in southern Scotland. The enclosure may be expected to provide detailed information on house construction and domestic organisation in this period.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 77 SW 17

Source: Historic Environment Scotland