Description

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

The monument lies on a low spur above the NW bank of the Whittinghame Water at around 110m OD. The ground slopes away sharply to its E and S although it is overlooked by higher ground to the SW and is not a particularly dominant location. The monument lies on the periphery of a rich landscape of prehistoric settlement focussed on the major prehistoric centre of Traprain Law.

The enclosure appears to have been semi-circular with its SE side being formed by the steep banks down to the burn. Only the W arc is visible due to differential landuse at the time when the available photographs were taken. The enclosure is defined by two concentric ditches. The inner ditch is some 5m wide and encloses an inner area of approximately 50m. The outer, narrower ditch is only some 2m wide and gives the enclosure an overall diameter of approximately 90m.

Dense cropmarks within the enclosure may represent the remains of former domestic buildings. 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. Modern fences crossing the area are excluded from scheduling. The area to be scheduled is irregular on plan with maximum dimensions of 105m NE-SW by 70m 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. Its importance is greatly enhanced by its association with the wider landscape of prehistoric settlement in this part of East Lothian.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 67 SW 15.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland