Description

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

The enclosures occupy fairly level ground at around 45m OD with extensive views to the N and E. The major fort of The Chesters, some 500m to the SW, dominates the immediate environs of the site. The E enclosure is formed by a single ditch some 2-3m wide enclosing an area of "figure of eight" plan. This measures some 30m along its long, E-W, axis by a maximum of 20m.

There is no clear indication of an entrance and the enclosure appears to represent a single phase of construction. The second enclosure lies some 200m WSW.

It is formed by a single, annular ditch some 4m wide enclosing an area some 30m in diameter. Only the N half of the circuit is visible on the available aerial photgraphs. No entrance is apparent in the visible sector.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible enclosures and areas around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is in two parts, the E part being circular with a diameter of 90m, the W part D-shaped with its straight side 90m long, 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 settlement and economy. The morphology of the E enclosure suggests a structure of unusual form, possibly representing a specialised function not commonly encountered among sites of this period and area. The significance of the monument is greatly enhanced by its association with the wider prehistoric landscape centred on The Chesters fort.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 57 NW 38 and 39.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland