More information : (Centred NT 803120) Enclosures and hut circles. (1)
Remains of a group of earthworks situated upon a S-facing slope of
pasture moorland above the confluence of two streams. The steepness
of the slopes increases towards the streams. The group comprises
three irregular-shaped earth and stone banked enclosures and two
steadings, one with a small garth attached. At the foot of the
slopes on the N bank of the Rennies Burn onthe SW side, is a hut
circle and 2 rectangular foundations. This burn is the nearest
present fresh water supply. The site is approx 1280 feet above OD.
'A' NT 80341200. An oval-shaped enclosure, banks 3.0m wide, of a
max height of 0.5m, subdivided by interior
banks into three compartments. Original entrance in SE
side. Probably for stock. No evidence of interior occupation.
'B' NT 80351204. A 'D'-shaped enclosure with a double bank on the
straight SE side, with an entrance through both banks. The NE
corner of the site is obliterated by boggy ground. The banks are
of earth and stone 3.0m-4.0m wide, of a max height of 0.5m. There
are o traces of internal occupation. Probably a stock enclosure.
'C' NT 8030121. Two small rectangular adjacent enclosures, bounded
by earth and stone banks, 2.0m-3.0m wide, 0.5m high. The abundance
of loose stone in the banks of the smaller enclosure, suggest it to
be the remains of a steading wth a garth attached.
'D' NT 80311205. Small rectangular enclosure with earth and stone
banks, 2.0m wide, 0.2m high. Remains of a steading, with entrance in
the NW side by the W corner. Overall measurements, 13.0m NE-SW,
4.0m NW-SE.
'E' NT 80251199. A sub-rectangular enclosure bounded by
a slight earthen bank 1.0m wide, of a max height of 0.2m. Overall
measurements 30.0m NE-SW, 22.0m NW-SE. No evidence of internal
occupation. The situation of this enclosure upon a slope of 1:2,
suggests it to have been a small field, for crops. There are no
signs of inner terracing.
'F' NT 80241195. Long rect. building measuring 18 x 3.5m divided
into 2 compartments, the southern-most being 7m long. Bank of
earth and stone 1.0m wide, 0.2m high.
'G' NT 80321193. Hut circle of 5.0m diameter. Bank 2.0m wide, 0.5m
high. No indications of original entrance.
The steadings, with associated probable stock enclosures, suggest
this to be a Pastoral Settlement. The remains are too slight to
assign a period of construction.
The group forms part of a pattern of rectangular steadings and
enclosures found at the higher levels
throughout the area, and thought to represent continuous
rural colonization from mediaeval times onwards. Revised at 6"
scale. (3)
This is the remains of an upland settlement of medieval or post-
medieval period generally as described and planned by OS. It comprisesfive rectangular steadings (B,C,D,F,& X), two of which (B & C) having
attached garths, two free-standing enclosures (A & E) and a small
circular structure (G), described by OS as a hut circle but almost
certainly a stock or lambing pen contemporary with the steadings. The
majority of the site occurs on a ridge end, but steadings F & Y and
circular structure (G) are situated on an undulating terrace alongsideRennies Burn, and enclosure E lies on a steep (1:2) slope between the
two groups. (The lettering by OS of the individual structures has beenretained).
THE STEADINGS:
These are reduced to turf-covered footings 0.4m maximum
internal height, and spread to an average of 1.0m -1.2m, but in some
cases the spread is greater at the end walls. No wall faces are
exposed, but some stone is visible indicating a construction, in
stone, wholly or in part. (All measurements are internal).
'B' OS describe a "double bank" on the SE side of the enclosure which
is in fact a longhouse 24.5m NE-SW by 3.5m transversely with at
least one entrance in the SE side, and possibly another opposing in
the NW, although this latter gap may be caused by sheep trampling. No
cross walls can be seen. The enclosure attached is correctly describedby OS.
'C' is heavily mutilated by animal traffic particularly at the NE end.It measures approximately 17.8m NE-SW by 3.1m transversely, and no
external sub-divisions or entrance(s) can be seen. A garth 10.0m x
6.0m is attached to the SE side.
'D' is 12.7m NE-SW by 3.1m transversely, with at least one entrance
along the SE side.
'F' measures 16.5m NW-SE by 2.8m with what appears to be a cross
passage with opposing entrances towards the SE end.
Steading X is mentioned but not described by OS. It measures 6.0m NW-
SW by 2.0m and is sub-divided by a cross wall, the larger compartment
to the SE. The entrance(s) cannot be identified.
FREESTANDING ENCLOSURES:
'A' is generally as planned by OS but there has been disturbance in
the SE sector so it is unclear whether the enclosure was sub-divided
into three (as OS suggest) or two.
'E' is as described by OS.
These enclosures are defined by earth and stone banks 0.5m max height;there is no trace of internal features.
STRUCTURE 'F':
is 3.0m in diameter within a bank, 2.0m wide and 0.4m internal height
in which no stone is visible and no entrance is apparent.
A modern sheepfold, still usuable, is situated some 37m SE of
'F', and overlies another amorphous structure reduced to a turf-
covered stony bank visible intermittently to the N,S and E at the
fold.
There is no evidence of cultivation in the vicinity of the
settlement, though it may have taken place within the enclosures (4)
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