Description

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

The site occupies an area of level of ground in rolling arable farmland at around 70m OD. The area is dominated by the presence of Traprain Law which lies some 500m to the SE. The enclosure is formed by a single sub-rectangular ditch some 2-4m wide. It has approximate dimensions of 30m by 30m and no visible entrance, although an entrance may lie near its SE corner which disappears under a modern track.

Sub-rectangular enclosures of this kind are commonly regarded as representing native settlements dating to the period of the Roman incursions into southern Scotland. This monument is one of a group concentrated in the area around Traprain Law which is thought to have been an important tribal centre during this period.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible features along with an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is semi-circular with a diameter of 130m, backing onto the modern NE-SW-running track, 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 social organisation during the period of the Roman incursions into southern Scotland. Its significance is greatly enhanced by its association with Traprain Law and the wider group of potentially contemporary settlements in the area.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 57 NE 31.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland