Description

The monument is an earthwork, probably a motte of the Middle Ages situated on a knoll overlooking the Blackadder water. The knoll has been made more prominent by scarping of the sides below which a ditch has been dug and the spoil used to build an external bank. The entrance to the site is from the NE. The summit of the knoll is a narrow oval with two scoops cut into it (probably modern disturbance).

Although the summit is not large and is irregular, the position and shape of the monument strongly suggests that it is a motte of the 11th to 13th centuries AD. At the time of visit there was a small quarry, cut into the W side of the monument, which had damaged part of the external bank. The exposed section showed a well-preserved old topsoil under the bank of re-deposited subsoil.

The upper surface showed signs of burning and a burnt potsherd was found in this layer. The site measures c. 70m (NE-SW) by 60m transversely overall. The area to be proposed for scheduling includes the earthwork and an area around it in which traces of activity associated with its use will survive. The area is a rectangle measuring 100m (NE-SE) by 95m transversely.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved and unusual example of a motte of the Medieval period, which has the potential to enhance our understanding of the settlement and economy of this area in the earlier Middle Ages.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is RCAHMS number NT 64 NE 2.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland