Description

The monument is the remains of a medieval and later rural settlement occupied, at least between the 15th and 17th centuries. The remains of a laird's house dating to the 16th or 17th century are visible as an upstanding ruin. There are several earthworks close to the ruin, including an oblong bank to the NE that measures 30m ENE-WSW by 10m transversely. A second stone structure, several sunken lanes and banks and an encircling enclosure were also visible until the later 20th century: many of these features are expected to survive as buried archaeological remains. The monument lies 35m above sea level on an outcrop of rock with lower ground (now a series of artificial lochs) immediately to the SE and SW. Although it is overlooked from the S, the site offers relatively long views N to North Berwick Law. The monument was first scheduled in 1997, but the documentation did not meet modern standards: the present amendment rectifies this.

The scheduled area is irregular on plan and includes the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map. The scheduling specifically excludes the upstanding elements of all modern fences.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it preserves evidence for a range of significant features, including a medieval settlement, a medieval chapel and a post-medieval laird's house. Together these features have the potential to make a significant contribution to our understanding of medieval and post-medieval settlement in SE Scotland. Medieval rural settlements that have not been overlain or destroyed by later villages and towns are rare in the Lothians. Historical documents provide a context for these remains, suggesting that a settlement had been established here by the early 15th century at latest, together with a chapel that was sufficiently important to have a provost and prebends (normally indicative of a collegiate church). Although parts of the settlement have been ploughed, there is high potential for buried archaeological remains to survive, in addition to the upstanding features. Overall, this site can significantly expand our understanding of medieval rural buildings, agriculture and economy. Our understanding of the distribution and character of medieval and later settlement would be diminished if this monument was to be lost or damaged.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT57NE 3. The East Lothian Council Historic Environment Record reference is MEL830.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland