Description

The monument comprises the remains of an enclosed settlement of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs. The site lies on gently sloping arable land above the break of slope at the E bank of Bearford Burn, at around 55m OD.

The sub-rectangular enclosure is defined by a single ditch some 3-4m wide. It has overall dimensions of approximately 65m E-W by 50m with indications of opposing entrances situated centrally in the E and W sides. A series of dark cropmarks in the E, upslope, part of the interior appear to represent the remains of occupation activity associated with internal structures.

Rectangular enclosures of this type are commonly thought to represent native settlements of the period of Roman influence in southern Scotland. The present monument is one of a group of such enclosures in the vicinity of Traprain Law, itself a major centre at that period.

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 circular with a diameter of 140m 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 organisation and economy in the period of Roman influence in southern Scotland. The likely survival of internal structures adds to the site's importance as does its proximity to the known Roman-period centre at Traprain Law.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 57 SE 16.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland