Description

The monument is an enclosed settlement of the Iron Age, situated on the NE shoulder of Downey Hill. It is oval in plan and measures 43m by 38m within a wall about 1.8m in thickness, surviving to a height of c. 50cm. The entrance lies in the WNW. A recent sheepfold occupies the E part of the enclosed area. In the W part two platforms against the enclosure wall mark the sites of circular house stances. An area measuring 100m in diameter is proposed for scheduling. The fabric above ground of the sheepfold is specifically excluded.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its well preserved field characteristics; it is a well preserved example of its type. Archaeological excavation would recover information of considerable importance on the way of life of the people of the period. The site is of particular importance because it is one of a series in Eskdale and Ewesdale; a rare opportunity is preserved in these monuments to understand the relationship of settlement, and the way the landscape was organised in the Iron Age. The monument is of national importance to the theme of Iron Age settlement and landscape organisation.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NY 29 SW 27.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland