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Latitude: 54.877 / 54°52'37"N
Longitude: -4.5225 / 4°31'21"W
OS Eastings: 238253
OS Northings: 556493
OS Grid: NX382564
Mapcode National: GBR HH6T.H4W
Mapcode Global: WH3TS.HPM3
Entry Name: Torhouse Stone Circle
Scheduled Date: 24 October 1924
Last Amended: 16 July 2002
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Source ID: SM90304
Schedule Class: Cultural
Category: Prehistoric ritual and funerary: stone circle or ring
Location: Wigtown
County: Dumfries and Galloway
Electoral Ward: Mid Galloway and Wigtown West
Traditional County: Wigtownshire
The monument comprises a stone circle of prehistoric date. It is in the care of Scottish Ministers and is being re-scheduled to clarify the extent of the protected area.
The monument lies at around 130m OD. It comprises nineteen granite boulders, set in a circle with a diameter of about 22m and ranging from about 0.6m to about 1.5m in height. The boulders, which are set on a slightly raised platform, are largest at the SE of the circle. Near the centre of the circle is a setting of three stones, aligned on a SW-NE axis. At the middle of the setting is a smaller stone, flanked by two massive boulders. Stone settings of this type are characteristic of the Neolithic.
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 sub-rectangular with maximum dimensions of 63m from NE-SW and 59m from NW-SE, bounded on all sides by a fence, and is marked in red on the accompanying map extract. The fence and gate are excluded from the scheduling. The area proposed for scheduling is more extensive than that of the area in care.
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to an understanding of prehistoric ritual practices. The importance of the site is reflected in its status as a Property in Care.
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Bibliography
The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NX 35 NE 14.
Bibliography:
Stell, G. (1986) Exploring Scotland?s Heritage, Dumfries and Galloway. HMSO. Edinburgh.
Historic Environment Scotland Properties
Torhouse Stone Circle
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/torhouse-stone-circle
Find out more
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
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