OS1/30/13/53

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
The Catrail (Picts' Work Ditch) The Catrail or Pictsworkditch Chalmers Caledonia
Mr. Kemp Antiquarian Galashiels
Jeffreys. History Roxburghshire
004.13 A number of ditches, earthern ramparts & ways, are described by Miln, Chalmers and Kinghorn as existing at or about the Eildons - but the greatest work which the Britons constructed on the Island is the Catrail which runs for about 40 miles in the Counties of Selkirk & Roxburgh from near "Crosslee" on the Gala, to "Peelfell" on the confines of Northumberland. From the remains still existing, it appears to have been a vast ditch, about 24 feet wide, with a Rampart on each side 10 feet high, and seven feet thick, formed from the materials thrown out of the excavation. The object of this ditch may be learned from its name: "Cat" Signifying a Conflict or battle, and Rhail a fence: a war fence or partition. The name of "Pictsworkditch" was applied to this remarkable fence
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[Page] 53
Parish of Stow -- W Beatty C.A. [Civilian Assistant]

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