More information : (Area SE 148537) Green Plain: A little to the east of the landmark known as the Eagle Stone, and on the opposite of the stream to Sun Bank, is a series of enclosures of varying size, and roughly circular shape. Some of the stones used are large, and the banks are 4ft high in places, but there is no sign of regular walling. There are many piles of stones which may be the remains of huts, but observation is difficult owing to heather and bracken. At each end of the line of enclosures remnants of walling can be found at right angles, and crossing towards the slight rise to the south. These could be useful for shelter and herding, and show the origin of later rectangular enclosures. Small wasters and flint chippings found in the vicinity suggest a prehistoric dating for the settlement (Cowling deals with this site in a Bronze Age context). (1) SE 14855375. Two irregular-shaped enclosures (not consistent with Cowling's plan) each about 30.0m by 20.0m and formed in the main by random boulder walling up to 0.8m high, although in at least one place there is evidence of coursing. One of the enclosures has a well-defined entrance in the SE. There are no recognizable hut sites, but it cannot be assumed that none existed. The enclosures are set in an area of rock and loose boulders which shows no sign of attempted clearance for cultivation. It is likely, therefore, that the external walling noted by Cowling represents remnants of additional enclosures rather than field boundaries. The age of the site is uncertain. Its position (on low ground by a stream), and the shape of the enclosures suggests denuded sheepfolds. Lack of firm habitation evidence makes its acceptance as an early settlement difficult, but this aspect cannot be dismissed, and in this case an IA dating seems most appropriate. Surveyed at 1:10 000. (2)
|