Description

The monument comprises the remains of a ring ditch house of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument occupies a well-drained site at around 20m OD,

overlooked by Lawhead Hill to the SW. The ring ditch is some 18m in overall diameter, approximately half of this diameter consisting of the ditch itself. The ditch appears to be continuous with no evidence for an entrance break. A linear ditch some 1.5m-2m wide extends E from the ring ditch for a distance of approximately 80m. Somewhat to

the N of this a further, discontinuous, ditch runs NE-SW for a distance of approximately 35m.

The monument appears to represent the remains of an unenclosed settlement of prehistoric date, comprising a substantial timber roundhouse with some elements of contemporary land divisions apparently represented by the fragmentary ditches. The possibility that the ring ditch relates to funerary rather than domestic activity cannot, however, be ruled out.

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 irregular in shape with maximum dimensions of 130m ENE-WSW by 110m 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 prehistoric house construction and economic activity. The importance of the monument is greatly enhanced by its proximity to the Anglican and prehistoric settlement complex at Paradise Wood some 300m to the N.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 67 NW 16.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland