Description

The monument comprises the remains of an enclosed settlement of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs. The site lies on level ground in rolling arable farmland at around 55m OD, in an area dominated by the presence of Traprain Law which

lies approximately 1km to the SE. The enclosure is defined by a single sub-rectangular ditch some 6-8m in maximum width.

It has overall dimensions of approximately 110m NW-SE by 90m although the S part of the enclosure does not show up clearly on the available photographs. Sub-rectangular enclosures of this kind are generally regarded as representing native settlements dating to the period of the Roman incursions into southern Scotland. The present monument is one of a group of such settlements which has been identified in the area around Traprain Law, which is believed to have been a tribal centre at that time.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible features and an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is circular with a diameter of 150m as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of native settlement and social organisation during the period of the Roman incursions into southern Scotland. Its significance is greatly enhanced by its association with the wider group of structures centred around Traprain Law.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 57 NE 15.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland