Description

The monument is a motte with two baileys, of the medieval period, lying within the village of Tarbolton. The motte is 3.4m high and 22m in overall diameter; its top measures 10m (N-S) by 8m (E-W). There is a shallow ditch at its base on the E side. The motte is situated at the W end of a probably bailey probably later than the building of the motte, measuring 40m by 25m.

There is an entrance to the SW. To the W is a second enclosure, abutting the motte. This may be a second bailey. Much of the area of this enclosure has been lost on the W. The sequence of events suggested is (i) ditched motte, (ii) addition of E bailey, (iii) addition of W bailey. An area measuring a maximum of 117m (NE-SW) by 62m transversely is proposed for scheduling, to include all the surviving features of the monument.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance to the theme of early medieval defence; it is of particular interest because of the unusual double bailey arrangement, which seems to indicate a complex history of use and development. The motte will cover and preserve a relatively large land surface contemporary with its construction; this will be of national importance to the theme of Early Medieval land use.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NS 42 NW 3.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland