Description

The monument comprises part of a Roman temporary camp, visible as a cropmark on oblique aerial photographs, lying 750m south-east of Carstairs Mains farm.

The visible part of the camp measures c.470m from east to west by c.420m from north to south and encloses an area of c.18.6ha. Two entrances, at least one with a titulum, are visible in the north side, and a third is roughly central in the east.

The boundary ditch of the camp appears as a cropmark visible from the air. From experience gained from the excavation of other sites of this kind, it is almost certain that the areas enclosed by ditch will contain features associated with the use of the camp, such as ovens.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related material may be expected to be found. It is irregular in shape and measures a maximum of 615m from the NW corner to the SE corner, by 590m from the NE to the SW, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract. The scheduling specifically excludes all elements of the mausoleum to the east.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to an understanding of the Flavian and/or Antonine periods of the Roman occupation of Scotland. Its importance is increased by its proximity to the scheduled Roman fort and temporary camps at Castledykes and the Roman road to the North (Castledykes to Peebles), to which it runs parallel. Despite having been plough-truncated in the modern period, it retains considerable potential to provide information on the nature of the occupation, the contemporary environment and the daily lives of Roman soldiers.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NS94SW 22.

References:

Frere S S 1984, 'Roman Britain in 1983. I. Sites explored', BRITANNIA 15, 176.

Maxwell G S and Wilson D R 1987, 'Air reconnaissance in Roman Britain 1977-84' BRITANNIA 18, 35-6.

Photographs:

RCAHMS, 1978, NS94SW 22, Carstairs Mains Roman Temporary Camp, LA 2281.

RCAHMS, 1983, NS94SW 22, Carstairs Mains Roman Temporary Camp, LA 4498.

RCAHMS, 1984, NS94SW 22, Carstairs Mains Roman Temporary Camp, 65889.

RCAHMS, 1984, NS94SW22, Carstairs Mains Roman Temporary Camp, A 30970.

RCAHMS, 1984, NS94SW22, Carstairs Mains Roman Temporary Camp, A 30969.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland