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 100m OD, some 300m SW of Traprain Law. The enclosure, which is a square of side approximately 50m, aligned N-S and with rounded angles, is defined by a ditch some 4-6m wide. There is no visible entrance. There are diffuse cropmarks within the enclosure some of which may represent the remains of former internal buildings. Rectilinear and square enclosures of this type are widely believed to represent native settlement during the period of Roman influence in southern Scotland.

A standing stone formerly stood adjacent to the N of the enclosure and a cist burial was found close to the E of this, showing that the area of the enclosure has been a focus for activity of various kinds during the earlier as well as later prehistoric periods.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible cropmarks and an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is circular with a diameter of 110m 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 settlement organisation and economy in the period of Roman influence in southern Scotland. The monument may also be expected to contribute to our understanding of the organisation of the prehistoric landscape focussed on the major centre of Traprain Law.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 57 SE 79.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland