Description

The monument consists of a later prehistoric fort and settlement which are situated on Sweethope Hill.

The fort is defended by three stone-faced ramparts. The inner area, which occupies the area of a knoll, measures up to 80m in diameter. A hollow track which passes through the inner and medial ramparts on the NE may be original. The medial rampart has two additional entrances each with an inturned terminal. The outer rampart encloses an area up to 200m in diameter.

No buildings contemporary with the ramparts can be seen, but the remains of a smaller, later settlement containing at least one hut circle and several scoops are situated between the inner and medial ramparts on the NE. The outer rampart has been robbed in many places, and has also been used to construct later subrectangular features. A trapezoidal plantation bank is situated within the interior of the fort; two windswept trees survive.

The area to be scheduled is sub-circular on plan and measures 250m from W to E by 230m transversely, to include the fort and settlement and an area around in which associated remains may survive, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved multi-period monument which has the potential to provide information about later prehistoric architecture, economy and social organisation.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 63 NE 2.

Reference:

Royal Commission Inventory for Roxburghshire, No. 977.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland