Description

The monument consists of two circular house stances of the Later Bronze Age/Iron Age (some 2000 to 3500 years old) and associated cultivation marks, situated on Lauder Common to the SW of Brown Rig. One house, c. 30m NW of the B6362 Lauder to Stow road, survives as a low circular bank about 11.5m in diameter and 0.5n high with an entrance to the SW.

The second house, about 250m NW of the first, sits on top of a low knoll and survives as a broad circular bank 10m in diameter externally, 2m wide and 0.5m high. Between the two houses there are traces of narrow cultivation ridges of the type associated with Late Bronze Age/Iron Age settlement.

The rough grass and heather moorland prevented its full extent being identified. The area to be proposed for scheduling includes the two houses, a sample of the cultivation marks, and an area around them in which traces of activity associated with their use will survive. The area is a rectangle measuring 320m (NW-SE) x 65m transversely.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved example of a later Bronze Age/Iron Age open settlement with part of its associated field system which has the potential to enhance our understanding of settlement and farming practices in the period. Its importance is increased because it is one of few open settlements in an area better known for enclosed settlements. Taken together, these settlements have the potential to greatly increase our understanding of the settlement, economy and development of the landscape in this area in the Later Bronze Age and Iron Age.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded in the RCAHMS as NT 44 NE 1.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland