gb0551ms-36-2-72

Transcription

[Page] 72
[Continued from page 70]

appears to have been an entrance at the S. [South] corner
which has a flanking defence
on the N.W. [North West] extending for a considerable distance
into the interior. On the S. [South] West side from crest
to crest of rampart the distance is about 33 ft. [feet]
the inner mound is 7 ft. [feet] above the bottom of the
ditch and the outer 6 ft. [feet]. At the N.E [North East] corner
the rampart has been removed and a cradling
of boulders on which it has been laid is exposed
for a breadth of about 5 ft. [feet]. The ramparts are
of earth and stone. The whole is overgrown
with brackens. 1

[Opposite page - text inserted] 1 The description of the large enclosure to the
N. [North] of fort No. 8 seems fairly accurately des:
:cribed. It is bounded by a mound ditch
about 19 feet across from crest to crest. The
ditch in places 4 to 5 ft. [feet] deep. From the West
corner of the enclosure an ancient track con:
:sisting of an irregular mound about 14 ft. [feet] across
and a trench in places 3 ft. [feet] below the crest of the
mound runs Nor. [North] Westwards across the moor. Its
direction in contrast to that of the trench & en:
:closure is irregular. Though the mound of the
enclosure cuts it at the West corner its mound continues
on the S.W. [South West] side of the trench of the latter.
A similar track & bank though less noticeable
is to be seen across the plantation to the S.W. [South West]
of the last and runs through the heather in a
S.W. [South West] direction.

Time did not permit of a visit
to Prestoncleuch so we made our way to Bunkle
Church. I called on the minister, Mr. Mair, and
explained my errand, whereupon he accompanied
us. The apsidal remains of the church are as
described by Mr. Ferguson except that the
window on the North is not discernible as it
has been built up and a growth of ivy on
the outside prevents any indication of it being
observed on that side. Its presence has been
ascertained by "picking on the inside.
The mason marks are simple and large.
Of Bunkle Castle only the lower portion of
the West wall remains. It is 5 ft. [feet] thick and is
situated on a knoll partially surrounded
by a deep moat. Desirous to get back

[Continued on page 74]