Description

The monument comprises the remains of an enclosed settlement of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument lies in arable farmland at around 170m OD on the edge of the steep slope down to the Papana Water to the SE. The visible features comprise the NW and SW sides of a formerly square enclosure along with part of the NE side. The remainder appears to have been lost through erosion of the banks of the Papana Water.

The sides of the enclosure measure some 80-100m and are defined by two ditches which vary in width up to a maximum of some 10m. The irregularity of the ditch prevents the secure identification of an entrance. The monument appears to represent an enclosed settlement of a type widely believed to date to the period of Roman influence in southern Scotland. It forms part of a wider landscape of prehistoric settlement in the area.

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 approximately semi-circular with a diameter of 180m NE-SW by 120m 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 native settlement and economy in the period of Roman influence in southern Scotland. Its significance is enhanced by its association with the wider landscape of prehistoric settlement in this part of East Lothian.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 57 SE 39.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland