gb0551ms-36-34-142

Transcriber's notes

see Fig. 17, p. 113 of Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (1892-93) Vol 27
The Motes, Forts, and Doons in the East and West Divisions of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. (pp 92-182) by
Coles, Frederick R

Transcription

[Page] 142
[Continued from page 141]

interiorly some 60' and surrounded by
a trench and rampart - the former some 30'
in width from crest to crest and 7' at greatest
depth. There has been an entrance on the E [East].
A modern field wall has cut off a segment of
the defences on the N. [North] which has been obliterated
in the field beyond. The rampart appears
to be of earth and stone and many large
boulders are visible on the face of it. (See
Coles - whose plan is correct.)
On the flank of a low hill about
250 yds. [yards] W. [West] of Barnsoul and at the edge of a
steep slope to the [--] burn on the northward
are the remains of a circular construction
which has all the appearance of being a defensive
work though marked on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] as the site
of a chapel. With its ends resting on the
edge of the slope is a broad bank of earth
& stone forming a Horseshoe & enclosing an
area measuring 85' from N [North] to S. [South] by 66' from E [East] to W [West].
Originally the enceinte has probably been oval and
the bank continuous on the N. [North] though now at
that point quite obliterated. The bank is very
irregular in thickness varying from 14' to 20'
and is about 2'.6" in height. It shows many
large stones in its composition. (Mr. Coles considered
this site very doubtful as a defensive work.)