Description

The monument is a medieval motte situated on the edge of an escarpment to the W of Midton. It is sub-rectangular, measuring 24.2m NE-SW by 12m within a ditch 7m wide and 2m deep to the NE, SE, and SW. To the NW no ditch was needed. The soil derived from the ditch has probably been used to raise the level of the interior. The area to be scheduled includes the motte and an area around it within which traces of activity associated with its use may be found. It respects the shape of the monument and measures a maximum of 60m NE-SW by a maximum of 45m transversely.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a medieval motte which has the potential to enhance considerably our understanding of medieval settlement in the area.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NS 43 SW 8.

References:

Ordnance Survey (Name Book) Object Name Books of the Ordnance Survey, Book No. 18. 41.

Paterson, J, 1863-6, History of the counties of Ayr and Wigton, 3v in 5 Edinburgh, Vol. 1, pt. 1, 265.

Pont, T, 1654, 'Coila Provincia', in Blaeu, J. Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, sive Atlas Novus.

Smith, J, 1895, Prehistoric man in Ayrshire, London, 128-9.

Stell, G, 1985, 'Provisional list of mottes in Scotland', in Simpson, G. G. and Webster, B, 'Charter evidence and the distribution of mottes in Scotland', in Stringer, K J Essays on the nobility of medieval Scotland, Edinburgh, 15.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland