Summary
A univallate earthwork is formed by a low bank accompanied by an outer ditch. The ditch and bank define an enclosure which is polygonal rather than oval in shape and which measures c. 85m E-W by 70m N-S. The enclosure is situated on a break of slope overlooking the Fallowlees Burn to the north.
Identification Images (0)
Monument Types
- ENCLOSURE (Early Iron Age to Roman - 800 BC? to 409 AD?)
Description
A univallate earthwork is formed by a low bank accompanied by an outer ditch. The ditch and bank define an enclosure which is polygonal rather than oval in shape and which measures c. 85m E-W by 70m N-S. The enclosure is situated on a break of slope overlooking the Fallowlees Burn to the north. A modern graded track which crosses the site has destroyed a 30m stretch of the northern perimeter. The SE quadrant of the earthwork has been incorporated into a field within which narrow rig cultivation has all but obliterated the bank and ditch. The field in question is undoubtedly that identified by the 1728 Estate survey as 'The New Close' - an enclosure of a little under 11 acres in extent (numbered 138 on the plan). On the W side of the site a well marked hollow way impinges on the external ditch. As far as can be determined the original entrance seems likely to have been in the SE corner. The absence of any visible trace of habitation in the interior might indicate that this was a stock enclosure rather than a settlement though account has also to be taken of later disturbance. In either case the form of the earthwork suggests that it belongs to the local Iron Age or Romano-British tradition.
The site appears to have been first noted by Hodgson (1827, 289 [SJZ3391]) who, in c. 1825, made a thumbnail sketch of it in one of his notebooks (NRO ZAN M15/A 37, 128-130). The earthwork was listed by Hogg (1947, 169 [SNA62515]) but interestingly not by Jobey who may have regarded it as too mutilated for reliable classification. The site is listed in the County SMR, ID no 10785.
References
- SNA62471 - National Trust Report: Gates, Tim. 2002. The Archaeology of the Wallington Estate: An Air Photographic Survey.
- SNA62515 - Article in serial: Hogg, A H A. 1947. A new list of the native sites of Northumberland. 38. 4TH SERIES. Proc of the Soc of Antiqu.
- SZJ3391 - Monograph: J Hodgson. 1827. History of Northumberland, Part 2, Vol.1. 1. 1.
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
- HER/SMR Reference (External): 10785
Associated Events
- ENA4289 - Field Survey, Aerial Photographic Survey, Wallington
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
None Recorded