Ancient Monuments

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Castlethorn, fort and standing stones 500m ESE of Torphichen Mains

A Scheduled Monument in Armadale and Blackridge, West Lothian

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Coordinates

Latitude: 55.9341 / 55°56'2"N

Longitude: -3.6432 / 3°38'35"W

OS Eastings: 297443

OS Northings: 672448

OS Grid: NS974724

Mapcode National: GBR 1Q.Z3J5

Mapcode Global: WH5RG.03FN

Entry Name: Castlethorn, fort and standing stones 500m ESE of Torphichen Mains

Scheduled Date: 22 February 2005

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Source ID: SM11242

Schedule Class: Cultural

Category: Prehistoric domestic and defensive: fort (includes hill and promontory fort); Prehistoric ritual and

Location: Torphichen

County: West Lothian

Electoral Ward: Armadale and Blackridge

Traditional County: West Lothian

Description

The monument comprises a prehistoric hillfort which is situated on the top of a knoll known as Castlethorn.

The monument is roughly oval and measures approximately 70m x 50m overall and is visible on the ground and on aerial photographs. The highest part of the knoll is surrounded by a low bank up to 2m across; to the N a second bank takes in a lower terrace. The entrance lies to the W. The trackway leading from the entrance is marked by two possible standing stones. The upper of the two stones currently lies on its side.

The area to be scheduled measures a maximum of 108m W-E by 88m N-S, to include the fort, standing stones and an area around it in which remains associated with its construction and use are likely to survive, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

This monument is of national importance as an example of a prehistoric enclosed settlement, which has the potential to increase considerably our understanding of prehistoric domestic life in this area.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NS97SE38 and NS97SE53.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

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