More information : A substantial turf-covered bank encloses a roughly sub-oval area of
38.5 hectares around the summit and SE shoulder of High Knowes,
including both prehistoric palisaded settlements (NT 91 SE 11 and
18), and the associated field system [NT 9712/4-12]. The bank
survives up to 0.5 m high and 3.6 m wide; a slight ditch, up to 0.2 m
deep is discernible on either or both sides of the bank around the
circuit, and in marshy areas disappears entirely due to silting. The
boundary overlies an early scarp, possibly a lynchet [NT 9712/13],
but is itself overlain by a low bank [NT 9712/14], and at NT 9651
1275 and NT 9655 1288 by a recent march dyke [NT 9612/3].
Little surface evidence remains to suggest the original form of this
boundary; however, if it were surmounted by a hedge or fence it would
anticipate a tradition still in evidence in surrounding districts
such as the Ingram Valley. The boundary itself would seem to define
what may have been the intake of a later prehistoric farm including
its arable areas, a model which reverses traditionally held concepts
whereby hilltops are generally regarded as the pastures, and the
lower slopes as the fields. It is notable that little evidence of
prehistoric fields exists outwith the boundary. (1)
Alternatively, in terms of its mode of construction and state of
preservation, the dyke is similar to others in the Cheviot area,
usually found in association with broad ridge-and-furrow cultivation,
which are presumed to be contemporary or later than the rig. Some
ridge-and-furrow was plotted from air photographs (2a) within the
enclosed area [see NT 9612/15], but there is absolutely no evidence
for this on the ground. (2)
A linear boundary interpreted as the boundary bank of a prehistoric farm unit. The boundary surrounds two palisaded settlements (High Knowes A and B) and an associated field system. Scheduled. (3) |