Description

The monument comprises the remains of a motte, a steep-sided artificial mound upon which the principal structures of a medieval (AD1000 – 1500) timber castle would have stood. The monument likely dates to the 12th – 13th centuries. The base of the motte is surrounded by a ditch and bank. It is located on a natural terrace to the northeast of Machars Hill in an area of pasture, at approximately 110m above sea level. 

The monument survives as a large steep sided oval earth and stone mound 3.5m high by 28m north to south by 24m. The mound has a flat top measuring 12m north to south by 8.0m. A ditch, approximately 1m deep and 3.5m wide, encloses the base of the mound. The ditch is most visible on the south side along with traces of a bank.

The scheduled area is a clipped circle with a maximum diameter of 53m. It includes the remains described above and an area around within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map. 

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as it makes a significant contribution to our understanding or appreciation of the past as the remains of a medieval castle, in the form of a motte, likely dating from the 12th to 13th centuries. It retains structural and other physical attributes, in particular it survives as a large steep sided oval mound constructed of earth and stone with a flat top and ditch and bank enclosing the base. It retains much of its original profile and continues to be a prominent, recognisable feature and indicator of the areas significance during the medieval period. Excavation of similar monuments has shown that evidence of timber structures, along with archaeological deposits containing artefacts and environmental remains can survive. The monument is a good example of a motte and is therefore an important representative example of this monument type. 

As a centre of medieval lordship the monument has research potential which could significantly contribute to our understanding of historic land use and organisation in southwest Scotland during the medieval period. The monument also has the potential to help us better understand the impact of David I's (AD 1124-53) decision to adopt Anglo-Norman cultural and political practices, such as feudalism, in the decades following his reign. The National Record of the Historic Environment records 305 examples of mottes in Dumfries and Galloway and the monument can be studied in relation to these and other mottes across Scotland to better understand their chronology, forms, distribution and development at a local and national level.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

trove.scot

https://www.trove.scot/place/63420/

HER/SMR Reference

MDG3051

Source: Historic Environment Scotland