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[Opposite page] Y.
Raeburnfoot Roman Camp
[Margin] Contd [Continued] from Vol [Volume] 1.
the W. [West] takes a curve outwards for some 12' across the entrance as
evidenced by the darker colour of the grass and
the growth of rushes. Some 65' in front there
are patches of rushes growing which my possible
indicate a covering ditch.
Covenanters Tomb.
In a field adjacent to the high road and some
300 yds [yards] distant to the N N W [North North West] of the hamlet of ? Holm
is a "through" stone with an inscription on the
upper slab commemorating Andrew Hislop a
covenanter shot on the spot by Sir James Johnston
of Westerhall and John Graham of Claverhouse
on 12 May 1685 and buried here. The inscription
which is of 18th century character appears to have
been recut. At the foot is the date 1702.
Enclosure (site) Eskdalemuir
This enclosure lies on the N. [North] side of the glen
adjacent to the church of Eskdalemuir on
cultivated land under crop at the date of visit.
The O.S. [Ordnance Survey] shows it as a triangular figure surrounded by a rampart with
the N. [North] and W. [West] sides fairly straight and almost at
right angles to one another subtended by
a curve. It lies on a slope, has been
hollowed out in the interior and measures
apparently about 105' along each of the straight sides
Entrenchment Old Graveyard Eskdalemuir
This entrenchment, now occupied by a burial
ground with a modern wall along the scarp
of its ditch, lies on the right bank of the Esk
[Continued on page 2] |
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[Continued from page 1]
some 25' in elevation above the river and at the S. [South]
end of a hillock traversed by the road from Langholm
to Eskdalemuir In plan it is rectangular measuring
about 110' by 100' and is surrounded by a
trench some 25' broad and 6' in depth below
the scarp. A mound forms the counterscarp
sharply defined on the S. [South] and E. [East] rising some 5'
above the bottom of the trench on the S. [South] and 3' on
the E. [East]. On the W. [West] the defences have been destroyed
by the formation of the road. Almost in the
centre of the E. [East] side facing the river there has
been an entrance seemingly some 7' to 8' wide
when it passes through the outer mound. This
construction is marked on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] Maps as the
site of a chapel.
Enclosure Watcarrick
On the slope of the hillside just overlooking
the narrow glen of a burn about 1/4 m [mile] to the S. [South] of
Watcarrick Farm is a pearshaped enclosure
surrounded by a stony bank much reduced
in height and spread. At the broader end
from the W. [West] side the bank curves inward across
the interior dividing it into two portions. At the
upper end there is a deep semicircular recess
against the bank which appears to have been
excavated. The entrance has been into the
lower end. This construction shows no
[Continued on page 3] |
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[Continued from page 2]
defensive character whatever and has probably
been a cattle enclosure
Fort Castle Hill
This enclosure is situated on the N.E. [North East] end of an
eminence which rises from the Eastern flank
of the Castle hill and lies at an elevation of some
850' above sea level. The area it occupies slopes
considerably towards the E. [East] and is uneven on
the surface being to some extent hollowed out
by art. On plan the construction is pear shaped
with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South] measuring interiorly
some 200' by 175', and is surrounded by a bold
rampart of earth and stone with an average breadth
of 15' at base and 22' at the entrance having a
trench to the outside except on the N. [North] some 15' in width and 6'
in depth below the crest of the scarp. The principal entrance
has been from the lowest point some 7' in
width and opens into a hollow which is carried
inwards between two long parallel mounds
seemingly left with the surface around them
excavated. There has also been an entrance
from the Northward above a steep downward slope
between which and the rampart lies a natural
terrace some 15' wide occupying the position
of the trench. The rampart is stony and the
trench has in places been cut through rock. |
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[Page] 4
[Continued from Page 3]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
Fort Castle Hill
Some 200 yds [yards] to the S E [South East] of the last is another
fort. It is formed on an eminence at an elev:
:ation of 800' over sea level overlooking the valley
of the Esk, and about ¼m [mile] W [West] of the farm of Holm Mill
and has its main axis N E. [North East] and S W. [South West]. Towards
the N [North] is a hollow cutting it off from the higher slope
of the hill beyond and on the S. [South] with an abrupt
and in places precipitous rocky face the ground
declines rapidly to the base of the hill. On plan
the fort is semi oval with the edge of the steep
Southern escarpment forming the chord. So
strongly is it protected by nature on the S. [South] that
artificial earthwork has been dispensed with
but around the periphery towards the lower ground below
a bold scarp from the summit level there runs
a double trench with an intervening rampart
22' broad at base. The trenches from crest to
crest measure the inner 33' across and the outer
16' while the inner former has a depth of 12' below
the crest of the scarp and 3'. 6'' below that of the
Counterscarp and the latter similar measure:
:ments of 8' and 3'. 6''. The rampart has been
of earth and stone and there has been
considerable rock cutting in the trenches.
The entrance has been on the summit level
at the N E. [North East] angle, some 8' to 9' wide, passing
[Continued on page 5] |
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[Continued from page 4]
between the end of the defences and the steep
escarpment on the E, [East] the road towards it
being traceable for some distance up the hillside
It opens on a slight excavated hollow in the
interior. There is no well visible in the area
of the interior but in the inner trench there is
a considerable clump of rushes at one point
which may indicate the presence of water.
Eskdalemuir Enclosure (no 15)
At the base of the Castle Hill on the East and
adjacent to the farm of that name a short distance to the W [West] is a double
circular enclosure in form of a figure of eight,
one circle the Northmost being of less
diameter than the other & slightly recessed into it. The surrounding bank
is of earth and stone and the ground immediately behind
it is distinctly hollowed out, while the whole
interior area of the smaller circle has been
excavated to a depth of 3' to 4' at the centre.
On the E. [East] side of the smaller circle are the
foundations of a small oblong turf hut meas:
:uring interiorly some 12' by 9' with a surrounding
bank some 6' wide. The entrance into the
main enclosure is into the larger circle
at its lowest point A small stream flows
by on the S. [South].
Fort (23) Castle O'er
This ‘fort’ is situated on the slope of the hill
facing Eastwards just above the S. [South] entrance to
[Continued on page 6] |
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[Continued from page 5]
Castle O'er house. It is an oval enclosure with
its longest axis N.N.E. [North North East] and SSW. [South South West] Measuring in the
interior some 170' by 130' (O.S. [Ordnance Survey] Measurements) and
with a marked gradient to the E. [East] Horseshoe
-wise containing the flanks and the upper on
Western side rises a bold rampart which on
the interior imperceptibly merges into the general
level. Outside it lies a very deep V shaped trench
some 36' wide, 11' deep below the crest of the scarp,
where deepest, and 6' from that of the counterscarp,
rises an outer mound 16' broad at base and
4' to 5' high covered by a shallow outer trench
beyond with a width of 16'. Passing down
the slope on the S. [South] the outer defences entirely
cease leaving the inner rampart alone remaining
but much diminished in height while on the N. [North]
side the outer defences at the lower end converge
and the inner trench is carried forward to the
face of the lower slope. The entrance is from
the lowest level and there are the usual
indications of excavation in the interior. Near
the centre is a somewhat level plat [platform] some 25'
in diameter. The ramparts are of earth &
the splintered rock excavated from the trenches. |
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[Page] 7
10th July 1912
A doubtful morning but started up Eskdale in
the car. on getting to Bentpalts it was so wet
& it appeared so like continuance that I turned
homeward. But on reaching Langholm the clouds
began to lift.
Westerkirk Fort Craighill
This fort is situated on a Northern spur of
the Craig Hill overlooking Burnfoot at an
elevation of 800' over sea level. The
Hill projects far into the dale
on the North forcing the Esk at this point to
make a considerable detour, and the fort
consequently commands a wide prospect up
and down the valley The enceinte is
oval in form encircled by a stone wall
of dry masonry now a structureless mass
of debris about 2' high and measuring from
12' to 14' across but there are indications
pointing to the original breadth having
been about 9'. It lies with its longest axis
N. [North] and S. [South] and measures interiorly 142' by 111'.
The entrance some 4' to 5' wide has been
through the centre of the W. [West] side. Around the
S. [South] are a rampart of earth and stone curves
round from in front of the entrance on
its S. [South] side towards the W. [West] at neither end
now visibly connected with the wall of enceinte,
[Continued on page 8] |
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[Continued from page] 7
and containing a somewhat level area measuring
about 120' across near the centre. In the interior
against the wall to the S. [South] a mass of stones
suggests the ruins of one or more huts, and
within a trench like hollow beyond the outer rampart to the S. [South] is a hut [circle]
measuring 13' by 10' with other depressions of
a similar character, one on either side measuring
some 12' in diameter To the Southward the
hill rises upwardd for over 200ft [feet] to its summit
but in the other directions the ground falls at
a steep gradient to the bottom of the valley.
Enclosure Boonies
This enclosure is situated between the high-
road and the right bank of the Esk immediately
to the W. [West] of Boonies and on the crest of a
steep 30' bank which drops abruptly to the
narrow strip of meadow lying by the margin
of the river to the northward. On the E [East] the
deep glen of a small burn some 60' to 80'
distant forms a natural defence; to S. [South] and
W. [West] the adjacent land is flat. The enclosure
is almost circular in form measuring in
diameter from crest to crest 126' by 124' and
is surrounded by a massive rampart
rising some 6' in height above the ground
on the exterior and from 6' to 7'.6'' on the
inner face with a breadth at base of
[Continued on page 9] |
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[Page] 9
[continued from page 8]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
some 30'. The entrance is from the E [East] at the
top of the bank near the river, 4' in breadth,
and directly over looks a hollow on the face
of the bank carried to the higher level in front
of the entrance. The rampart appears to be of
earth and as there is no surrounding trench
it has probably been formed of material dug
out of the interior which is rather damp.
Fort Bogle Walls.
This fort is situated at the roadside about
1/4m [mile] E. [East] by S. [South] of Enzieholm on an angular
spit of land formed by the debouchment of
the glen of a small burn on the W. [West] onto the
high bank which bounds the bed of the valley
of the Esk, some [blank] yds [yards] back from the stream.
The glen on the W. [West] has an average depth of
some 15' and the bank towards the river
an altitude of about 30'. By constructing from
bank to bank on a quadrant of a circle
a massive rampart with a deep V shaped
ditch to the outside and a slight mound
on the counterscarp a triangular enceinte
has been formed, measuring along the straight
sides 120' and 144' and bisectionally 132'. The
rampart towards the interior rises to a height
of from 7' to 8; it appears to be formed of
earth and has evidently been surmounted
[Continued on page 10] |
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[Continued from page 9]
by a stone parapet 3' broad in rear of which
towards the E [East] end the top of the rampart forms
a level platform 6' wide some 18'' to 2' below
the present crest and 4' above the level of the
interior. The trench is 42' wide from crest to
crest and has a depth of from 11' to 12' below
the scarp and of 9' below the counterscarp,
the low mound above the latter has a breadth
of 12' at base and a height on the exterior of
about 3'. Along the N E. [North east] side facing the Esk
the rampart appears to have been returned
for some 40' and a hollow seems to mark
a place where it has been dug up; Beyond
this to the apex of the triangle there has been
a stone wall some 5' thick. On the very
point there are two depressions which probably
mark the site of huts. Along the flank
above the burn there are also indications
of walling. The entrance has been from
the bottom of the glen past the W. [West] end of
the rampart and to right and left of it
in the interior are small excavated hollows
which may be the site of guard huts.
A wet hole in the centre where lies some
detached masses of rock is probably a
secondary excavation. (See plan & ? photo) |
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[Page] 11
Lyneholm Hill Fort (6) White Birren
The remains of this fort are situated on the
top of Lyneholm Hill at an elevation of about 800'
over sea level and some 350' above the Esk which
flows by its base on the N. [North]. The construction
has been greatly pillaged for stones wherewith
to build dykes and a large segment of the
rampart on the N E. [North East] has been completely eradicated
The eneinte appears to have oval to oblong in
form surrounded by a stony rampart and
when the ground level rises to the Southward
by a trench beyond. The rampart has a breadth
at base of 14' and appears to have been surmounted
by a wall. the trench where best preserved shows
a width of 27' from crest to crest and at most
has a depth of 6' below the crest of the rather
irregular scarp and 4' below that of the
counterscarp. At one point it has been cut
through rock. The entrance has been from
the S E. [South East] and is situated near the S. [South] end of the
E [East] side (a gap in the rampart on the opposite
side near the S. [South] end being secondary), it opens
into the lowest area of the interior and is
faced with higher and rocky ground
in front. there has been a certain amount
of original examination in the interior where
the rock lies very near the surface probably
[Continued on page 12] |
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[Continued from page 11]
to obtain material for the rampart and wall.
The situation is a strong one and commands
an extensive view down the dale.
Fort Baitiehill (5)
This fort ranks of the nature forts in Eskdale, neat in
size and importance to Castle O'er situated little
more than 1 1/2 ms [miles] away from it to the Northward.
It is situated on a prominent rocky hillock which
rises to a height of over 700' above sea level at a
point where the White and Black Esks
mingle their waters to flow onward to the Solway
as the river Esk. The fort looks straight up the
White Esk valley and also down the dale of
the main river. The hillock rises steeply on the W [West] for
some 200' in elevation above the ravine of a
small burn which has its source in the Mid-
-Height, and it has a similar attitude, attained
at a somewhat easier gradient, from the
Esk on the N. [North] To the Southward the slope
away to the moorland is slight and from
the E [East] also the inclination is not great.
The fort has its main axis from N.E. [North East] to S W. [South West]
controlled by the summit of the hill
and measures in extreme length over its
outer defences some 550'. Its original breadth
is not obtainable as the cultivated land on
the E. [East] has encroached on the periphery as
[Continued on page 13] |
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[Continued from page 12]
that, in that direction the outer defences have been
eliminated. The central area is an oval en:
:closure measuring some 160' by 140' surrounded
by a strony rampart where the ground is
low to the outside, and where the level rises
by a steep gradient towards it on the Northern
half, by a rampart slighter in degree with a
considerable excavation forming a scarp
on the interior. Where best preserved this
rampart has a breadth at base o 19' and
a height of about 5'. The interior level rises
towards a rocky eminence on the W. [West] along
the outer edge of which the rampart is continued.
There has been a wide entrance into the enceinte
from the S. [South] - the gap now measuring 20' across -
opening onto the lowest part of the interior area.
The top of the rocky eminence has been hollowed
out to a depth of from 4' to 5' so that its
summit is a concavity which measures
some 56' by 46' in diameter. open towards
the lower level of the interior on the S. [South]. Within
this hollow are several ridges on the turf
marking the foundations of structures and
probably produced by the cutting away of the
rock on either side, as noticable at Castle O'er. Enclosing
this inner enceinte is an outer line of defence
[Continued on page 14] |
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[Continued from page 13]
consisting of a deep V shaped trench the scarps of
which are very sharply cut and smooth, varying
from 17' to 26' in width from crest to crest, and
from 6' to 8' in depth, with a mound above both
scarp and counterscarp some 20' wide broad
at base formed of earth and stones. This
vallum on the N W. [North West] passes immediately below
the rocky eminence and extends out at either
end some 60' and 130' beyond the rampart of the inner
enceinte. There is an opening through it 9' wide
on the S. [South] which may have been an entrance but it is
doubtful (Plan from O.S. [Ordnance Survey])
12 July 1912. A very hot day.
Stone Ring Saugh Hill Plantation Eskdalemuir (16)
In the meadow on the lower side of the Saugh
Hill Plantation near its N. [North] end the O.S. Map
marks a "stone ring". It is the faintly discernible
outline of a circular enclosure on level ground.
presenting no defensive characteristics nor is
it excavated as the interior. The remains are
probably those of an old pen. Between them
and the end of the wood are one or two
small hollows excavated on the S. [South] face of
a knoll which may possible be the site of dwellings.
Stone Rings (10) Hartmanor
At the upper end of a meadow on the E. [East] side
of the road to Eskdalemuir via the Shaw Rig
and about 1/4 m. [mile] N. [North] of the farm of Hartmanor.
[Continued on page 15] |
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[Continued from page 14]
is a large tripartite enclosure consisting of an
oval with its longest axis N [North] and S [South] measuring
180' by 130', bisected inequally at about 1/3 of its
length from the N. [North] end and having annexed to it
on the S W. [South West] are a semilunar annexe. Surrounding
the whole is a stony bank some 14' broad at base
and from 2' to 3' in height entirely overgrown,
with entrances into the oval enclosure at either
side of the dividing bank on the upper or E. [East] side
and apparently an entrance into the annexe
from the interior on the S. [South]. The construction
is situated on ground sloping towards the
S W. [South West] near the bottom of the valley, showing no
particular defensive aspect and considerably
scooped out in the interior.
Tumulus Allangillfoot.
About 1/4 m. [mile] above Allangillfoot two burns meet
and on the left bank of that flowing from the
N.E. [North East] a little less than half a mile above the
junction and just beyond where a rivulet
empties itself into the stream on the right bank
is an artificial mound of earth and stone
measuring over all some 15' by 18' and in
height about 3'. It lies at the foot of the steep
bank of the gill close by the stream and
water from a spring at a higher level keeps
the ground wet in front of it. Some excavation
[Continued on page 16] |
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[Continued from page 15]
has been done on the top of the mound but
nothing has been revealed to show its character.
Bankhead Hill Modern hollowed enclosure.
On the lower slope of Bankhead Hill about 1/4 m. [mile]
back from the Esk and nearly opposite the
curious semi-circular structure is a hillock
rising some 10' to 15' in elevation above the
[Margin] Omit
surrounding level which has been excavated
to a uniform depth of 10' and surrounded
on the interior face with a mortar built
retaining wall some 10' high. The diameter
of the enclosure is about 60'. There is a wide
entrance at the bottom level, and about 6'
up the wall are recesses for beam ends. It is
difficult to conceive why so much labour should
have been expended on this pen unless it is
the utilization of a quarry hole.
Entrenchment Bankhead Hill (19)
On the E. [East] side of Bankhead Hill where its
lowest slope terminates on a steep bank
overlooking the White Esk and about 1/2 m [mile]
N. [North] of Castle O'er house on the opposite side
of the river is a short segment of an
entrenchment some 6' deep and 24' wide
continuing for a distance of about 100'.
It is not carried forward to the bank at
either end but terminates fully 100' distant
from it nor is there any indication that the
[Continued on page 17] |
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[continued from page 16]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
fosse ever continued further.
Fort Bankhead Hill (22)
This fort is situated on the W. [West] side of the broad
table-land which forms the summit of Bank
Head Hill and just where the ground begins
to slope downwards to the valley of the White
Esk. From Castle O'er House across the river the
construction is distant about 1/2 m. [mile] to the NE. [North East]
In form the enceinte is circular measuring
some 165' in diameter and is surrounded by
a broad rampart of earth and stone 20'
broad at base, increased to 25' on either side of
the entrance with a trench in front measuring
from 20' to 34' in width and at deepest 6' in
depth. The entrance rampart has been sur:
:mounted with a wall some 4' ft. [feet] in thickness
the base of which remains visible on the S. [South] side
of the entrance. The entrance has been from
the S W. [South West] some 4' wide and is clearly defined,
the roadway leading over the trench and
through the rampart. The interior has been
considerably hollowed out the centre being
as much as 10' below the level of the crest
of the rampart on the W. [West] which at this point
is almost of equal elevaton to the ground
outside. Against the rampart on th SE [South East] side
and partly under the sheepfold are the
[Continued on page 18] |
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[Continued from page 17]
foundations of a small oblong structure the
back wall of which has been recessed into the rampart
significantly broadened behind it.
A low mound apparently of earth, some 5' broad
with a shallow trench some 8' wide on the N. [North] side
meets the outer edge of the enclosure on the N. [North]
and leaves it on the S E [South East] passing Southward along
the crest of the moorland . Under the name of the
"Deils Jingle" this bank is traceable as shown
on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map for about 3/4 m. [mile] to the N. [North] of
the enclosure and 1/4 m. [mile] to the S. [South] of it.
Enclosure Bank Head Hill
At the base of Bank Head Hill on the S.W. [South West] and
about 1/4 m. [mile] S S E. [South South East] of Castle Oer House is an
enclosure situated on a bluff formed by the
debouchement of a ravine on a bank that margins
the low lying ground streching to the Esk distant some
100 yds [yards] to the W. [West]. The enceinte is for the most
part occupied by a sheep pen and about
1/3 of the periphery has gone. The enclosure has
been oval measuring apparently about 170' by
130' and has been surrounded by a bank
formed of earth and stone some 20' wide at
base and from 5' to 6' high. The entrance
which has been from the N. [North] has been some
6' wide. |
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[Page] 19
Westerkirk Par [Parish] Enclosure Bentpath
This enclosure is situated on the moorland just
outside the Southern end of the fir wood which runs
S. [South] for 3/4 m. [mile] from Bentpath. It lies just over the
crest of the watershed facing S. [South] and overlooking
the glen of the Boyken Burn at an elevation of some 700' over sea level, In form it is
circular measuring some 124' in diameter and
is surrounded by a bank of earth and stone
18' in breadth at base with a trench to the outside
18' wide and 3' - 6'' deep below scarp and counterscarp
where best preserved which is on the upper or
N W. [North West] side. On the E. [East] adjoining the wood the
bank has been almost entirely removed.
The entrance has been from the W. [West] over the
trench and through the bank and does not,
as usual, open on the lowest part of the interior.
Any details on the interior are obscured by a
dense growth of bracken.
13" July 1912.
Ewes Par [Parish] Fort Brieryshaw Hill
On the summit of Brieryshaw Hill is
situated a fort. The hill has an elevation
over sea level of some 700': to the NW. [North West] of it
rises the lofty Stake Hill to an altitude of 1348'
while to the S E. [South East] the ground falls with a
considerable declivity to the Ewes Water in
the valley below. The fort placed at the E [East] edge
of the plateau that forms the summit, is
circular in form measuring interiorly some
[Continued on page 20] |
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[Page] 20
[Continued from page 19]
192' in diameter and is surrounded with a
rampart of earth and stone some 23' broad at
base having around the greater part of the
periphery an outer concentric mound some 33'
broad at base with an intervening trench measuring
from 28' to 35' in width from crest to crest and
some 7' in depth. Towards the E. [East] overlooking
the downward slope the trench and outer
mound gradually give place to a terrace
some 18' broad with an outer ramp.
Beyond these defences on the W. [West] there is an
outer concentric trench some 11' in width deepening
as it passes Southward. The entrance some 8' wide has been
from the E. [East] or lowest side of the fort and opens
at a low level into an excavated hollow
some 6' deep carried back with a rising
gradient to the rampart on the N. [North] and N W [North West]
and Flanked by a ridge of higher unexcavated
ground on the S. [South] but which has also been
excavated in places. On the higest area
are the foundations of an oblong hut
with its longer axis E. [East] and W. [West]
measuring interiorly some 22' by 9' with
a surrounding bank apparently of turf
or soil some 6' thick and having a
doorway some 2' - 6'' wide in the S. [South] wall
at 8' from its E. [East] end. It is noticeable
[Continued on page 21] |
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[Continued from page 20]
that the rampart on the half of the periphery
that encloses this site is higher and more massive
than on the N. [North] half. The inner rampart appears
to have been surmounted by a stony crest
traces of which are visible on the S. [South] arc.
[Margin] Unnoted
About 100 yds [yards] to the Southward & at a slightly
lower level is another circular or oval enclos:
:ure with its longest axis N E. [North East] and S W. [South West] and
measuring along it some 193'. It has been
surrounded by a bank of earth and stone
much worn down in places, highest towards
the S. [South] where it has been considerably hollowed
in places and is divided into two by a
stony bank which crosses it from E [East] to W [West]
a little to the S. [South] of the centre. Against the
rampart on the S. [South] is a circular plat [platform] which
appears to be the site of a hut. There has
been an entrance 5' to 6' wide into the North
division by the side of the dividing wall marked
by a stone standing upright on one side to a
height of 2'-5'' above ground, the ground in
front of which is very wet. The entrance into the
S. [South] division appears to have been from the
S E. [South East] adjacent to the hut site and 2' wide. |
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[Page] 22
Enclosure Arkleton (2)
This enclosure is situated about 1/4 m. [mile] E N E [East North East]
of Arkleton on the crest of a hog backed
grassy ridge bearing the name of the Birren
Rig, lying between the Birren Sike on the E [East]
and a burn which flows down to the Arkleton
Water on the W. [West] and at an elevation of 600 over
sea level. In form it is irregularly circular
measuring about 190' in diameter and is
surrounded by a broad rampart of earth
and stone some 30' broad at base and 6'
high. There have been two entrances, one from
the S E. [South East] into the lowest part of the interior opening
on an excavated hollow measuring approximately
some 70' by 60' in diameter flanked by higher
ground along the northern half of the interior,
and rising gradually on the S. [South] the other
from the S W. [South West] also opening on a hollow
from 60' to 70' in diameter faced by an
arc of higher and unexcavated ground towards
the N. [North]. As usual the case in these enclosures
there are various hollows both in the higher
and lower areas demarcated by banks of
soil or of unexcavated rock varying in
size and form but suggestive of sheep
or cattle pens. Against the rampart on
the N. [North] at the highest point a stony foundation
[Continued on page 23] |
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[Page] 23
[Continued from page 22]
projects into the interior for a length of 42' with
a return to the E [East] at right angles for 33'
Fort Lochlie Hill (unnoted)
The summit of the Lochlie Hill which rises to
a height of 824' above sea level in the angle
between the Glendivan Burn and the Ewes
Water has been surrounded by a broad
strong rampart with a scarp cut on the
natural surface below it - of which for the
most part the scarp alone remains. A
portion of the rampart, however, remains on the
N. [North] measuring some 22' broad at base with
a scarp on the exterior some 6' high. The
enceinte has been circular following the out:
:line of the summit of the hill with an
approximate interior diameter of 244'. Except
along the summit to the N.W [North West] whence the
ascent is gradual, and towards the greater
height on the S E. [South East] the flanks of the hill have
a steep declivity. The entrance has been from
the N. [North]. In a hollow to the N W. [North West] lies a large
pool or pond.
Enclosure Upper Glendivan.
Some 300 yds. [yards] above the shepherd's cottage
at Upper Glendivan is an oval excavated
enclosure, and the remains of another
are to be seen on the top of the bank of the
burn immediately to the S. [South] of the cottage. |
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| gb0551ms-36-46-24 |
[Page] 24
Ewes Kirk Bell
Hanging on a tree to the S. [South] of the Church at
Ewes is the old bell. 1'- 6'' in height and 1'- 5'' in
diameter at the mouth - inscribed between a
double leaf border. Jacobus Monteith Anno
1652.
Cairn remains of Sorbie Bridge
Some 50 yds. [yards] up the wooded glen above Sorbie road
bridge and on the N [North] side of the path are the
remains of a large circular cairn, a segment
consisting of about 1/4 of the original measuring some
7' in height. It is said that a stone cist was
found when the cairn was being removed for
road metal many years ago.
This has been an exceedingly hot day with little sun:
:shine and after bicycling to Ewes most of the
work was done on foot including the climbing
of three hills!
15" July 1912.
Westerkirk Par [Parish] Enclosure Cauldkinfort.
This enclosure is situated on the extreme
N. [North] point of the Cauldkine Rig as it dips
to the glen of the burn overlooking Cauld;
;kinfort and at an elevation of some 850
over sea level. It is oval in form with its
longest axis N W. [North West] and S E. [South East] and measuring
240' by 183' and is surrounded by a stony
mound with a well formed concentric
trench beyond having an outer mound
above the counterscarp on the
[Continued on page 25] |
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[Page] 25
[Continued from page 24]
lower side. As usual the interior has been
hollowed by excavation so that on the
upper side the base of the ramp on the inside
lies at a level some 10' below that of the
ground on the outside. The trench is deepest
on the upper side where the bottom lies some
6' below the crest of the scarp and 10' below
that of the counterscarp. A quadrant of the
interior has been formed into an inner en:
:closure by a stony mound curving from
W. [West] to N. [North]. There are at least three entrances.
A wide one into the smaller enclosure from
the N. [North] another 10' wide into the main part of
the interior from the lower or E [East] side; a narrower
one from the S. [South] and possibly a similarly narrow
one from the W. [West]
Eskdalemuir Tanlawhill Enclosure.
This enclosure is situated at an elevation
of some 800' over sea level on the summit of
the hill which rises to the W N W. [West North West] of Tanlaw hill
farm (? the Tanlawwhill). It is circular in
form, the S. [South] arc, however, taking a slightly
irregular line as it follows the contour of the
summit in that direction at the edge of a steep
downward slope to the bottom of the valley of
the [blank] burn. The enceinte measures
from N. [North] to S. [South] 196' and from E. [East] to W. [West] 176' and
[Continued on page 26] |
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[Page] 26
[Continued from page 25]
is encircled by a massive stony rampart
rising on an averag some 3'-6'' to 4' on the
interior and showing evidence of the former
existence of a stone parapet along its crest,
with a concentric trench beyond 30' in width on
the N. [North] arc where it is best defined , 10' in depth
below the crest of the scarp and 5' below that
of the counterscarp, with an outer mound
on the counterscarp. Overlooking the steep
slope to the Southward the rampart is much
less prominent than elsewhere on the periphery
and the trench has been dispensed with. The
entrance which is from the E. [East] is some 15' in
width as it passes over the trench and 5' through
the rampart. The roadway is sunk below
the ground level on the outside and is so
carried forward into the interior. A cross
wall curving from E. [East] to W. [West] cuts off about
1/4 of the interior contained by the S. [South] arc, and
elsewhere there are indications of walls
forming enclosures against the rampart
There has been much hollowing out of
the interior and for almost its whole
length the trench is cut through rock.
Hut Circle
On the moorland which seems to pass under
the general name of Cartertan Knowes lying
[Continued on page 27] |
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[Page] 27
[Continued from page 26]
on the W. [West] side of the Black Esk and near
the source of the syke that flows into that
stream about 1/4 m. [mile] to the S. [South] of Henrie's Burn
and facing the South. sheltered by a slight
rocky eminence on the north is a small
circular enclosure or hut circle measuring
26ft. [feet] in diameter interiorly and surrounded
by a turf bank about 4 ft. [feet] wide. The entrance
has evidently been from the S E. [South East]
Enclosure Westside (unnoted)
About 1/4 m. [mile] to the S. [South] of Westside on the top of a
hill which rises up from the S. [South] side of Henrie's
Burn near its confluence with the Black Esk,
has been surrounded by a stony rampart
now almost reduced to ground level. The
interior has been hollowed so that
the enclosure resembles the bed of a large
pond. On the N. [North] the bank has been kept
back from the edge of the plateau so
that no part of the construction is ob:
:servable on the skyline from the valley below.
The elevation of the summit is 794 ft [feet] above
sea level.
On a plateau on the N. [North] slope of the hill
less than half way down to Henrie's Burn
is a small circular enclosure
[Continued on page 28] |
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[Page] 28
[Continued from page 27]
measuring interiorly some 42' surrounded
by a turf bank 12 ft: [feet] thick at base and about
2 ft: [feet] high, hollowed to some extent in the
interior and seemingly entered by a
narrow opening some 2' wide from the
W S W. [West South West]. Some 30 ft. [feet] to the E. [East] lie the foundations
of two conjoined parallel enclosures, quadrangu:
:lar and measuring interiorly 32 ft. [feet] by 12 ft. [feet]
surrounded by banks.
On the opposite side of the burn and some
200 yds. [yards] up the hillside is another small
enclosure or hut circle, oval in form
measuring 23 ft. [feet] by 20 ft. [feet] surrounded by
a turf bank 9 ft. [feet] thick at base and 2 ft. [feet]
high and with a narrow entrance entrance from
the S E. [South East] not clearly defined. Within 15' to
the Westward occupying the angle of the
feal dyke of an old field is
another small enclosure of similar character.
Enclosure Westside.
On the top of an elevation of 832' over sea
level is another large circular enclosure
of the prevaling type. It is surrounded
by a stony rampart some 22 ft. [feet] broad
at base with a concentric trench beyond
cut through rock some 36 ft. [feet] wide, 10 ft [feet] and
[Continued on page 29] |
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[Page] 29
[Continued from page 28]
7 ft. [feet] deep respectively below scarp and counter:
:scarp with a mound above the latter.
The interior is oval in form with its longest
diameter N. [North] and S. [South] & measures 200 ft. [feet] by 175 ft. [feet]
interiorly. It has been considerably scooped
out especially in front of the entrance which
is from the direction of the valley and at the
lowest point. Facing the entrance is a
prominent rock which curving round
to the N. [North] demarcates the outline of the
hollow and forms an elevated platform
beyond. On this plat [platform] to the N. [North] of the entrance
is a shaped semicircle of rock overgrown
with turf a segment of a circular enclosure
with a diameter of 40 ft. [feet] the ground hollowed to a depth
of 2' within it. This rock foundation has
been fashioned by the cutting away of the
rock on either face and is analogous
to a similar foundation in Castle O'er
fort.
Enclosure Westside (26)
This enclosure is situated on the summit
of an eminence which rises from the
wide expanse of White-hill pasture
lying to the westward of the dale of the
Black Esk and about 1 mile due W. [West]
of Westside. It lies at an elevation
[Continued on page 30] |
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[Page] 30
[Continued from page 29]
of 935 ft. [feet] above sea level and of some 350 ft. [feet]
above the bottom of the valley. whence there
is an approach up a long hollow. The
enclosure is of the type prevalent in this
region, and is oval with its longest axis E [East] and
W. [West] it shows, however, a departure from the
general plan in a semilunar projection
from the true line of the oval forming
a bay or forecourt at the E [East] end. The interior
measurements through the centre are 227 ft [feet] and
133 ft [feet] while the bay has a chord of 60 ft [feet] and
a bisectional diameter of 36 ft. [feet] The enceinte
has been surrounded by a stony rampart
now for the most part demolished with a
steep scarp to the outside some 8' in height
covered by a shallow trench. The entrance is
from the E. [East] and is 8 ft [feet] wide sunk beneath
the general level, the roadway being carried
on into the interior up a hollow between two
masses of outcropping rock. Within the
main area of the interior to the right of the
entrance is a circular hollow 27 ft. [feet] in
diameter cut out of rock a segment of
which is left around to form a founda:
:tion as in the last example. The
interior is uneven on the surface but then
[Continued on page 31] |
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[Page] 31
[Continued from page 30]
has been less hollowing of it than usual.
About 100 yds [yards] to the Eastward down the
hillside lies a hut circle, oval in form
& measuring interiorly 19' by 16' with its longest
axis N E [North East] to S W. [South West] & surrounded by
a turf bank some 3'- 4'' thick. As in the larger enclosure on
the hill top adjacent there is a semilunar
projection at the S W. [South West] extremity covering the
entrance with a chord of 10 ft. [feet] and a bisectional
diameter of 6 ft [feet] with which is an entrance from
the S. [South]. It is a noteworthy and significant
fact that both these enclosures situated in
close proximity show a distinct and, as
far as my observation has gone in this county,
a unique departure from their typical form.
it is also remarksble, though probably nothing
more than a coincidence, that the proportions
of the exceptional features are identical.
I observed several of these hut circles between
Mid Raeburn and Raeburnfoot on the
right bank of the burn, others on a slight
eminence on the opposite side of the burn
to the Roman camp, and one within the outer
precinct near the N [North] end. There is also one
on Bankhead Hill a short distance to the
W. [West] of the higher of the two enclosures near
the Bankhead Burn. Hitherto I have
[Continued on page 32] |
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[Page] 32
[Contiued from page 31]
been inclined to regard these enclosures or
hut circles as comparatively modern and
probably associated with summer shielings
but not infrequent oc:
:crrence in proximity to the larger enclosures
is worthy of note. Their banks are suspiciously
well preserved for very ancient structures.
The entrance is seldom observable as if it
had been over rather than through the bank.
Further E [East] of the last and about ¼ m [mile] down
from the larger enclosure is another hut
circle measuring interiorly 18 ft. [feet] by 19 ft. [feet].
The enclosing bank is some 8' in thickness
at base and has a height all round of about
18 inches. The position of the entrance is not
at all clear though it has possibly been
from the E. [East]
Enclosure (site) Todshawhill
Aboo theut 1/2 m. [mile] to the E. [East] of Todshawhill farm
house on the East side of the summit of
Todshawhill facing the Castle O'er heights
are the fragmentary remains of a hollowed
enclosure. A segment of a stony rampart
remains on the S. [South] elsewhere only faintly and
intermittently traceable. There are the usual
indications of excavated hollows in the
interior. This was one
[Continued on page 33] |
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[Page] 33
[Continued from page 32]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
The Tarras Water
14" July 1912 AM
of the hottest days I have been out on; all
day long I roamed over hills without a particle
of shade and thankful I was for a cup of
tea at 6-30 from a kindly farmer at
Tanlawhill before starting on a 12 mile
bicycle ride back to Longwood where I am
staying with Mr. Miesegaes.
On Sunday 14th with my host I walked and
motored to "Cairn and Standing stone" far
out on the moor to the S [South] of Tinnis Hill on the
Roxburghshire March. There is at the
spot some naturally deposited fragments of
rock but of "Cairn and Standing stone" never
a trace! The heat was intense!
16" July 1912
Enclosure Old Irvine Langholm Par [Parish]
This enclosure is situated about 1/2 m [mile] to the
N.N.W. [North North West] of Old Irvine on the S.E. [South East] flank of Burian
or Birren Hill, at an elevation of some 570 ft [feet]
over sea level. It is oblong in form with
rounded ends, set with its main axis N W [North West] to S E [South East]
measuring some 190 ft [feet] by 110 ft [feet] in the interior.
and surrounded by a stony bank now reduced
to a low level with a steep ramp on the
upper side produced by the excavation of
the interior. The interior has been divided
into two areas of unequal size and different
level by a cross bank, of which the upper and larger
[Continued on page 34] |
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| gb0551ms-36-46-34 |
[Page] 34
[Continued from page 33]
area with a fairly even floor lies at a depth of
some 10 ft. [feet] below the crest of the ramp
at the upper end
and gradually attains to the natural level of the
adjacent ground as it reaches the S E. [South East] end,
while the lower area is hollowed out to a depth
of some 5' below the natural ground level at
its upper side. There has been an entrance
into the upper enclosure from the N E. [North East]. and
possibly another into the lower area from the
S E. [South East] but the partial removal of the bank
renders to identification doubtful. From
the lower or S E [South East] end a stony mound of low
elevation runs down the hill side and was
formerly traceable through what is now cultivated
land. From the opposite or N W. [North West] end it is
observable passing up hill for a distance
of some 50 yds [yards]
Cairn Middleholm site
The cairn marked on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map (6") about 1/4 m. [mile]
W. [West] of Middleholm has been reduced to mere
foundations.
Heap of Iron Slag
About 150 yds. [yards] N W. [North West] of Old Irvine farm house
there is a heap iron slag, evidently the
site of a bloomery. It occupies a plateau
on the left bank of the Docken Burn
at an elevation of some 25' above the water.
Lime in the slag may indicate the method of fusion. |
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[Page] 35
Small Cairn Old Irvine
Situated on the Rig Hill about 1/2 m. [mile] W. [West] by N. [North] of
Old Irvine House is a cairn, much delapidated,
with a diameter of about 16'. and on the same
hill some 80 yds [yards] to the Westward of the Northwest
corner of the enclosure (no. [blank]) is another measuring
18' in diameter and about 2' in elevation.
Roman Camp
New Woodhead Canonbie Par [Parish]
Situated immediately in rear of the farm cottages
at New Woodhead and about 1/2 m. [mile] due N. [North] of
Gilnockie railway station is a large rectangular
oblong enclosure with rounded angles partly on grass land and partly in
a wood which presents characteristics of Roman
castelation. The site is a plateau rising
gently on all sides to an elevation of some
390 ft. [feet] above sea level, not in itself very prominent
or greatly exposed, but commanding an
extensive prospect over a wide area of country
in all directions. The fort lies with its main
axis N E. [North West] and S W. [South West] and has measured within its
defences some 1450 ft. [feet] by 750 ft. [feet] or [--] 24.9 acres
It has apperently been surrounded by a
single ditch and rampart, the former having
now from crest to crest a width of some 18 ft. [feet]
and the latter a breadth at base varying from
20 ft [feet] to 30 ft [feet]. Along the N E. [North East] end the vallum
though much ploughed down is easily traceable
across the grass field: on the S E. [South East] flank from
[Continued on page 36] |
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[Page] 36
[Continued from page 35]
the E [East] angle for a distance of 220 ft. [feet] it is no longer
to be seen but thereafter across an adjacent meadow
through a young plantation and an old wood
it can be followed with ease till it returns in a
N [North] Westerly direction close to the railway from
Riddings junction to Langholm, with the railway
line it gradually converges and is eventually
lost beneath it. On the N W. [North West] flank it has been
greatly interfered with in the formation of a
road, ditch, and hedge, which more or less
occupy its position, leaving it only partially
and intermittently recognisable. On the
S E [South East] side at 520 ft [feet] from the E [East] angle is a
well defined entrance some 72' in width
covered at 36' in front by a traverse, a mound
56' in length and 22' in breadth at base
at centre tapering slightly at each end
and 3'.7'' in elevation. From the vallum on
the East side of the entrance, as indicated
by the vegetation, the ditch is returned across
intervening space to the N E [North East] end of the traverse
and thence is taken along its outer face
terminating at its S W. [South West] extremity thus
restricting access to the entrance from
the S W [South West] only. At 126' to the N E. [North East] of this
entrance is a gap in the vallum 10' wide which
if not original does not seem to be modern. At 400 ft. [feet]
[Continued on page 37] |
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[Page] 37
[Continued from page 36]
further to the Southward and 478' from the S. [South]
angle is another entrance 40 ft. [feet] wide likewise
covered 30' in part by a traverse 50 ft. [feet] long, 33 ft. [feet] broad
at the centre, tapering slightly to either end and
3'.6'' in elevation. The lines of the ditch in the
vicinity of this traverse are not distinct owing to
the rougher growth of vegetation in a young
oak wood, and the greater frequency of rushes
among it. Any entrance which may have formerly
existed through the S W. [South West] end does not seem now
to be recognisable the rampart being
destroyed at a number of places and the
ditch much filled in. Near the centre of
the N E. [North East] end immediately in rear of the
cottages a slight break is apparent in the
rampart and some 25 ft. [feet] in front lies a
circular area measuring in diameter some
33 ft [feet] by 27 ft [feet] on which the vegetation is
markedly poorer that elsewhere in its vicinity,
a condition which may possibly be due
to the former existence of a traverse on the
spot the clay from which has deteriorated
the soil. The greatest existing height of the rampart above the ditch is almost 5'. There are no indications of any
foundations in the enceinte and though
the woodland area has been trenched
in all directions for drainage there is no
[Continued on page 38] |
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[Page] 38
[Continued from page 37]
record a tradition any indication of
buildings having been observed or of relics
recovered.
Gilmockie Tower (site)
The site of Gilmockie Tower is recognisable at
the E [East] end of the bridge over the Esk but of
the castle itself nothing remains . The mound
on which it stood has been partially dsetroyed by
the side of the road. (See Armstrong's Histy [History])
17' July 1912.
Enclosure Calfield Langholm Par [Parish]
This enclosure is situated on the N. [North] side
of Wauchopedale at an elevation of some
650 ft. [feet] above sea level, and some 300 yds. [yards] S. [South] by
E. [East] of Calfield farm. In form it is an ir:
:regular oval with its main axis N. [North] and S. [South]
and measures about 140' by 130'. It has been
hollowed out in the interior so that the lowest
part lies some 3 ft. [feet] below the level of the
ground immediately beyond the enceinte and
some 16' below the crest of the ramp on the
upper side. It has been surrounded by a
stony bank on the crest of which the remains
of stone work are visible. There have been at
least two large excavated hollows in the
interior but as the area has been utilized
as a dump for rubbish the features are
somewhat obscured. there appear to
have been two entrances one from the S W. [South West]
[Continued on page 39] |
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[Page] 39
[Continued from page 38]
into the higher position and another from the E. [East].
Cairn no. 13.
This object is comparatively modern having been
erected to mark the spot where a man named
Young was murdered or killed accidentally.
Fort Brocklinns (8)
This foort is situated on the Wauchope Water
some 3 ms. [miles] to the W. [West] of Langholm, about 1/2 m. [mile]
due N. [North] of the farm of Block and at the N E. [North East] end
of the Black Bull Bank which with a height
of some 50 ft. [feet] encircles a meadow on the right
bank of the stream. The enceinte is an
irregular oval, somewhat straight on the
S W. [South West] where it rests on the edge of the bank
measuring 165' by 119' and surrounded
horseshoe ways by a trench some 2 ft. [feet] in width
cut through peat with a mound on each side
and a depth of 3'.6''. The inner mound has
an elevation of some 2.ft. [feet] above the interior
and the outer one rise but slightly above
the exterior ground level. There appears to
have been a wall along the edge of the bank
and on the crest of the inner mound there
are remains of stone work visible at the
N W. [North West] angle.
Enclosure Glentenmount (5)
This enclosure is situated up the glen
of the Glentenmount Burn on the N. [North] side
of the Glen, 200 ' above the burn, 900 ft. [feet] above
[Continued on page 40] |
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| gb0551ms-36-46-40 |
[Page] 40
[Continued from page 39]
sea level and about 1 1/4 m. [mile] above Westwater. It
lies on a sloping hill face with the ground rising
immediately behind it to the N E. [North East]. On plan it is
circular measuring some 257 ' by 261 ', surrounded
by a stony mound with a slight trench to the
outside. Some 52 ft. [feet] within the mound lies an
inner concentric rounded rampart of low
elevation but scarped on the inner side to a
depth of 7 ' by the excavation of the interior
hollow which measures approximately about
150 ft. [feet] in diameter, the regular line of its circle
is broken, however, on the N W. [North West] where it makes a
bend inwards so as to emclose a circular
hollow between it and the entrance which
has been from the W. [West] into the lower part of
the enceinte. Adjacent to this hollow and
to the N. E. [North East] of it is another fashioned by
excavation between the outer and inner
moounds.The buildings of a large sheep -
fold in the interior obscure any other details.
Macrieholm Knowe Enclosure. Canonbie Par [Parish]
Cut through by the old road which traversing
the moorland leads from Old Irvine to
Solway bank is a circular enclosure
measuring some 120 ft. [feet] in daimeter
surrounded by a trench some 20 ft. [feet] wide
and 3 ft. [feet] deep without any conspicuous mound
or scarp or counterscarp though on the N W. [North West] |
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| gb0551ms-36-46-41 |
[Page] 41
[Continued from page 40]
[Opposite page Rubbing of spiral stone]
there is a slight swelling on the outside and
along the N. [North] half the level of the crest of the
counterscarp is higher than that of the scarp
and interior. The site is the W. [West] end of a hillock
dropping some 20 ft. [feet] on the N. [North] face to boggy
ground. There are numerous excavated hollows
between the construction and the edge of the
bank on the N. [North] probably made for the purpose
of obtaining soil or gravel for the road
Called on Martin Homes at Irvine Ho. [House]
and with him visited the slag heap &c. at Old
Irvine
18 July 1912
Spiral Markings Hollow Tower Canonbie Par [Parish]
Bicycled to Hollows Tower and made a
rubbing of the stone with spiral markings.
Forming the sill of the doorway into the vaulted
chamber in the basement of Hollows Tower
is a slab of ? sandstone measuring 3 ft. [feet]
in length by 1'-7'' in breadth at the centre
incised on its surface with spiral and
other markings. At the upper and slightly
narrower end of the stone and towardrs the
outside is a spiral figure consisting of
two complete turns and half of a third,
the line thereafter passing divergently
across the stone to the other side. Surmounted
near the middle of its course by a single
[Continued on page 42] |
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[Continued from page 41]
keylike symbol or ornament. Between the free
end and the spiral is a single inclined line
which may have been connected with it. Immediately
below the spiral there is visible a semicircular
incised line and at the lower end of the stone
partially hidden by the Architrave of the
door is another and smaller spiral, with
certain indefinite markings springing from it
at one side. The stone is much worn and
the figures are now probably incomplete
The marks on the lower corner opposite to that
on which the spiral appears are natural
inequalities of the surface.
Returned to Overwells, Jedburgh to write
up notes &c. and on Monday 22nd brought
the family to Highfield, Lockerbie, which
I have taken till 2nd Sept. [September]
23rd July 1912
Applegirth Par [Parish] Fort Whitecastle Knowe
This fort occupies the summit of an oval
hillock known as the Whitecastle Knowe which
crowns the Western slope of the watershed
between the dales of the Dryfe and the Annan
1/2 m. [mile] to the W. [West] of the farm of Newbigging.
The hillock lies at an attitude of 734 ft. [feet] above
sea level and except for two adjacent
heights which obstruct the view to the S E. [South East]
and N N W. [North North West] it commands an extensive
[Continued on page 43] |
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[Page] 43
[Continued from page 42]
panorama. On the N. [North] and from the W. [West] it rises
abruptly for some 30 ft. [feet] to 40 ft. [feet] while from the
S. [South] and still more so from the E [East] the gradient
from the surrounding level is easy. The
enceinte is oval in form with its longest axis
N. [North] and S. [South] and measures some 455 ft. [feet] by 260 ft. [feet]
It has been surrounded by a rampart of com:
:pacted clay immixt with stones rising now
at no point more than 2 feet above the level
of the interior. This has been supplemented
by a trench around the S. [South] extremity and along
the Eastern flank (now barely traceable for a
short distance towards the N E. [North East]) with a width
from crest to crest of about 25' and lying
some 8 ft [feet] down from the crest of the
mound. From the N. [North] by the W. [West] to the S. [South] end
the rampart follow the line of the summit
but along the E. [East] and more assailable sides it is
carried along the flank some 8' to 10'
below the highest level of the interior with
a slight parallel depression in rear of it. Into
this lower level the entrance opens on
the E. [East] some 10 ft. [feet] wide crossing the
trench and passing through the rampart
and from it a track is observeable leading
up to the higher level. (note) This
[Continued on page 44] |
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[Page] 44
[Continued from page 43]
construction differs essentially from those in
the Langholm district in that the interior at all
points lies at a superior level to the land
outside and that except perhaps in rear of the
rampart when there may have been slight
excavation it shows no hollowing out.
Forts. Broomhillbank Hill (6)
Situated on the West side of the S. [South] end of the
summit of Broomhillbank Hill at an
elevation of 800 ft. [feet] over sea level is a fort
commanding an extensive view of Annandale
which it overlooks.The ground rises very
steeply to the level of the fort from the E. [East]
and elsewhere from below and beyond to a
second fort on the actual summit it mounts
by easy gradients. The enceinte which is
approximately circular measuring some
230 ft. [feet] in diameter is surrounded except
above the E.[East] declivity by two concentric rampart
of earth and stone, the inner 18' wide at base
and the outer 22 ft [feet], separated by a trench some
18 ft. [feet] wide and 4 ft. [feet] in depth. Some 70 ft. [feet] beyond
the outer rampart lies a third of low elevation,
some 16 ft. [feet] broad at base, which runs concentrically
from the N E [North East] and as it passes from S. [South] to S W. [South West]
gradually converges with the intermediate
rampart meeting it 106 ft. [feet] from its termination
[Continued on page 45] |
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[Page] 45
[Continued from page 44]
on the S W. [South West] At the termination of the ramparts
on the S W. [South West] a hollow, evidently, the entrance is
observable passing into the enieinte at its
lowest part: beyond it the outline of what has
evidently been a slighter rampart is discernible
for a few feet trending along the East face.
The interior area appears to be natural and
unexcavated as also is the space within
the outer and middle rampart except to:
:wards the point of contact where it is
hollowed to a trench.
Some 260 yds. [yards] to the N E. [North East] of the last is
another fort nthesummit of the hill at
an elevation of some 871 feet over sea level
not visible from its neighbour and commanding
a great prospect in all directions. The
inclination from the direction of the last
fort is slight but on the W. [West] and N. [North] the hill
falls sharply away. The enceinte is oval
in form lying with its main axis N. [North] and S. [South]
measuring in diameter 190 ft. [feet] by 170 ft. [feet] and
is surrounded by a slight parapet mound,
a trench partially cut through rock at
most some 6 ft. [feet] deep and 28 ft. [feet] wide with
a mound on the counterscarp varying
in height as the level beyond rises or falls.
[Continued on page 46] |
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[Continued from page 45]
There are two entrances, one on the E. [East] side
of indefinite width overlooking the steep
slope to the base of the hill and the other
on the W. [West] side
some 10 ft. [feet] wide from the direction of the other
fort. The interior which has not been hollowed
rises to the centre some 5 ft. [feet] to 6 ft. [feet] above the
level of the entrance.
Dinwoodie Graveyard
On the S E. [South East] slope of the hill above the 700 ft. [feet]
elevation over sea level is a small rectangular
enclosure approximately a square of 94' on falling ground surrounded
by a bank of earth and stone and very
uneven in the interior. It An entrance in
the E. [East] angle opens onto an excavated hollow
and the ground also seems to have been
hollowed in rear of the bank along the
S W. [South West] side. The place somewhat resembles
many of the so called "fort" of Eskdale but
except for its squareness in no way
suggests a graveyard.
Enclosure Howthat burn (7)
This enclosure lies on the lowest slope
of the brae just where it merges
into the level ground on the E. [East] end
of the glen of the Howthat Burn about 1/4 m. [mile] E.N.E. [East North East]
of Newbigging. It is elliptical in shape
measuring in diameter interiorly 140 ft. [feet] by
110 ft. [feet] and is surrounded by a mound of
[Continued on page 47] |
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[Page] 47
[Continued from page 47]
earth and stone. There are two entrances
26 ft. [feet] apart
each about 9 ft. [feet] wide and opening on
the lowest level from the direction of the burn.
The interior has been hollowed out to a
depth of from 3' to 4' on the upper side below
the level of the surrounding ground. At the
N. [North] end of the upper side there is a small
hut-like recess in the bank and to the W. [West] of it
there are low indefinite mouns suggesting
small enclosures. The rampart has been
broad on the lower slopes but is much
spread and above the scarp on the
upper side it is hardly traceable.
Fort Blindhillbush Hill
This fort is situated on the summit of
Blindhillbush Hill at an elevation of
618 ft. [feet] over sea level in an impenetrable
fir plantation. It is shown on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey]
Map as oval with its longest axis N [North] & S. [South]
measuring 215 ft. [feet] by 160 ft. [feet] and it is surrounded
by a rampart of earth and stone rising at
most scarce 3 ft. [feet] above the interior and
in general having a scarp to the outside
some 6 ft. [feet] in height. At the S W. [South West] from
a bank passes outward from the scarp
with a slight divergence in a South Easterly
direction but is soon lost in the cultivated land
beyond the wood. |
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[Page] 48
24" July 1912
Took motor to meet MacGibbon at Caerlaverock
Castle calling on the way to look at the
Ruthwell Cross. The history of the
cross and the interpretation of its runic
inscription is one of the romances of Archae:
:ology and is fully related by Sir Herbert Max:
:well in his History of Dumfries & Galloway.
He there also refers to the Brow Well which
must be noted in the Inventory
At the end of the S [South] aisle in Ruthwell church
beneath a window to the memory of the Earl
of Mansfield is a coat of arms on a bordered
panel blazoned thus Quarterly 1st. and 4th.
3 mullets within a bordure flory counter flory
2nd. and 3rd. 3 crosses - Supporters on each side
a hound. over all a viscounts coronet
Motto. Spero Meliora Crest a stag's head
with a cross between the horns. At base the
date 1687.
On the keystone of the arch of a recess beneath
is a shield charged with 3 mullets within
a double bordure flory.
Tombs
To the E [East] of the S. [South] end of the church is a
richly carved slab. I fancy described
somewhere by Dr [Doctor] Christison, inscribed "Hic
jaćet Gilbertus Conder. He was factor to
[Continued on page 49] |
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[Page] 49
[Continued from page 48]
[Opposite page sketch/drawing of shield]
the Viscount of Stormont 41 Years He deceased
the 11 of March 1709 of age 75 Years vivit post
funera virtus."
Immediately to the S. [South] of the S. [South] end of the church
lie a number of stones to the memory of members of
the Young family. The most Southerly of
the group measures 9'.8'' by 3'.3''. At the head
is carved a cherub's head with outspread wings:
Beneath: Heir lyes Margaret Young spous
to Edward Carlel of Limkills who deceased
May 24 1665 of hire age 48.
Of vertue, wit, grace truth love pietie this woman
in hir tyme had store
On smal meanes she upheld grit honestie &
in reward hes endles glore.
In the centre of the stone is a shield charged
with three piles. At the base. Skull cross bones
and Memento Mori legend.
The adjacent stone of similar size is inscribed
Heir lyes the earthly pairt of Christian Young
spous to John Wilson who depairted 1 of March
1630? of his age 27. In the centre is carved a
skull with Memento Mori Motto. a sand
glass and spade. Two shields charged
Dexter a lion rampant with a dagger - Sinister
thrie piles for Young. At the base of the stone
[Continued on page 50] |
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[Page] 50
[Continued from page 49]
is this inscription. " My dear Mother neir I ly
ten before me the 11th. am I.
Dear Spous - while you behold this shryne
think on your bony babes and mine."
Wardlaw Hill
The Wardlaw Hill which rises to a height ? 313 ft. [feet]
over sea level overlooks the Castle of Caerlaverock
from which it is distant about a mile, commanding
also a prospect over a great extent of surrounding
country. It is surmounted by an oval fort
surrounded by a rampart of stone and earth with
a terrace, or trench now filled in before it some 18 ft. [feet]
broad having a mound on the outer edge or counter:
:scarp. The enceinte has its longest axis N [North] and S. [South]
measuring some 210 ft. [feet] by 180 ft. [feet] and rises in
elevation towards the N. [North]. The rampart along
the N. [North] arc at the edge of the interior is scarcely
perceptible but around the lower part of the
periphery it has a height of 3'.6'' or thereby
on the inner side a ramp some 8' in
height to the terrace which lies at a general
level of 6' above the ground outside. There is
an entrance from the W. [West] some 5 ft. [feet] in width.
On the N [North] arc in front of the highest point of
the fort and where the parapet is not observable
a slight mound is carried along the terrace
some 15' out and 4' to 5' back from the edge carried
[Continued on page 51] |
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[Page] 51
[Continued from page 50]
to the edge as it passes Eastward and eventually
merging in the inner mound beyond the prominence
to the N. [North] on the E [East] side.
"Earthwork" Blackshaw
The O. S. [Ordnance Survey] marks an eathwork on the S. [South] side of
a farm road and about 1/4 m. [mile] E [East] of Blackshaw
of this I could find no trace. The field in
which it is situated lies behind the farm of
Newfield and is in turnip crop.
Fort Craigwood (4)
On High Maines hill and within the Craigwood to
the S. [South] of Craig and some 3/4 m. [mile] to W. [West] by S. [South] of
Bankend are the remains of a curvilinear
fort. The hill rises abruptly from the N. [North] and
slopes away from its highest level on the S E. [South East]
by an easy gradient to the N.W. [North West]. From a
point adjacent to the steep face on the N. [North]
a bold rampart some 20 ft [feet] wide at base
curves segmentally across the summit
where the ground commences to decline toward
the W. [West] where it disappears in the slope. To the
outside the rampart has a height of from
4' to 5' and is covered by a slight trench. On
the inner side it merges gradually into the
natural slope of the ground.
Caerlaverock Churchyard
There are no old gravestones of any importance
here. A modern stone marks the grave of
Robert Paterson, "Old Mortality." |
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[Page] 52
26" July 1912
Hutton & Corrie Par [Parish] Fort No. 9.
This fort is situated on the E. [East] side of the summit
of the Castle Hill a slight eminence in an un:
:dulating moorland on the watershed between
the Boreland Burn and the Dryfewater, and
about 1/4 m. [mile] to the S E. [South East] of upper Fenton overlooking
the road from Lockerbie to Eskdalemuir. It
appears to have been an oval construction
measuring interiorly from N. [North] to S. [South] some 220 ft. [feet]
placed with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South]
just where the hill begins to dip to the
Eastward. The ground on the W. [West] is comparatively
level, at either end, to N. [North] and S. [South] it falls away
in a gentle decline, while to the E [East] for the
first 30 ft. [feet] it has a steep declivity thereafter
falling to the roadway at its base in an
easy gradient. Only on the W. [West] half of the
oval do the defences exist and on this arc
their strength is somewhat remarkable when
contrasted with their now total absence on
the opposite side. They consist of a bold
rampart some 26 ft. [feet] in breadth at base
formed of earth and shivers of rock rising
to a height of from 4 to 5 ft. [feet] on the inner
side and of 10 ft. [feet] above the bottom of a
trench in front. The trench, cut through rock,
has a width from crest to crest of some
32 ft. [feet] & has a depth below the counterscarp
[Continued on page 53] |
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[Page] 53
[Continued from page 52]
of 3' to 4'. It has not been formed at the base of
the hillock but about half way up so that
the scarp of the mound to the outside of it has
an elevation of some 8 ft. [feet] above the actual
base of the eminence on which the fort is
situated. There are two entrances, one 10 ft. [feet] wide
from the S W. [South West] carried over the trench on un:
:excavated ground and through the rampart
and another of similar width approached
from the N W. [North West] by a track along the
crest of the counterscarp of the trench thence
over the trench on excavated ground and
through the rampart at the highest level of
the interior. Towards the E. [East] and lowest side of the
interior are one or two
artificial hollows and small excavations
in the rock at the top of the steep slope the latter possible due to quarrying
for stone at no remote date.
Fort Rangecastle Hill (6)
This fort occupies the summit of a grassy
hill at an elevation of 951 feet over sea level
falling very steeply for some 400 feet to the
valley of the Dryfe on the West, sloping away
by an easy gradient into the moorland to the
South and East, and dipping with a steeper
declivity to the glen of the Murthat Burn
on the N. [North]. A regular eminence forms
[Continued on page 54] |
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[Page] 54
[Continued from page 53]
the summit of the hill with its longest axis N E [North East]
and S W. [South West] measuring on its plateau some 260 ft. [feet]
by 115 ft. [feet]. All round except towards the S W. [South West] it
is steeply scarped for a vertical height of some 20 ft. [feet]
giving on a somewhat irreular terrace with
an average breadth of 10 ft. [feet] to 12 ft. [feet] on the West
and 20 ft. [feet] on the East faced when it crosses
the slope at the N E [North East] end by a rampart some 4 to
6 ft [feet] high traceable also along the E. [East] side where
it has a (?) ramp to the base of the eminence
of some 6 ft [feet] to 8 ft [feet]. There is no apparent parapet mound. Towards the S W. [South West] end
the defences draw in to the end of the plateau
where there has evidently been an entrance
and in front of which is a large circular
hollow with a diameter of 44 ft. [feet] and a well-
-defined semi-circular terrace interposed
between it and the steeper slope to the S W. [South West]
Some 20 ft. [feet] below this terrace is a well.
Corrie Churchyard
At the N E [North East] angle of Corrie Churchyard outside
the railed enclosure, the burial place of the
Grahams of Dunnabie, is an upright slab
commemorating " Petter Graham in Barnsdel
who departed this life Oct. [October] 21st 1753. Aged 12 Years"
On the front is a figure of a man dressed in
a long skirted coat with deep cuffs holding in
his right hand a crown & in his left a sceptre.
[Continued on page 55] |
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[Page] 55
[Continued from page 54]
On his left a skeleton stands on a skull grasping
a spear in his left hand. Above the man's
head is an hour glass and at the apex of the
stone an angel with outspread wings
Within the Graham enclosure are two upright
slabs dated 1681 and 1682 commemorating, one
"Ane honest gentleman John Graham of Shaw" and
the other "ane honest gentleman William Graham
of Shaw."
Enclosure Dryfe Lodge (8)
This appears to have been a square or oblong
enclosure but two sides have disappeared
beneath the buildings of Dryfe Lodge and
its outhouses. It is situated where the bank
facing the Dryfe Water on the E [East] side of the
valley makes a sudden bend outwards at
right angles towards the stream which flows
by about 100 yds. [yards] distant. The bank has an
elevation of from 20 to 30 ft. [feet] and in itself forms
a considerable defence on the N. [North] and W. [West]. The
area, the original dimensions of which are unobtainable, is surrounded
on the two remaining sides by a broad rampart
of earth and stone varying from 3 ft. [feet] to 5 ft. [feet]
in height on the interior and sloping uniformly
with the bank to the base of it. The W. [West] side is straight
but the N. [North] curves somewhat. There are two
breaks through the rampart into the interior
[Continued on page 56] |
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[Page] 56
[Continued from page 55]
one at the N W [North West] angle which is modern and the
other near the end of the W. [West] side: the latter, if original,
has been altered and a road leads up to it from
the meadow below.
Enclosure Cocklawrig
On the W. [West] point of the Cocklawrig at an elevation
of some 800 ft. [feet] over sea level and at a distance of about
1/4 mile to the North of Waterhead is a circular en:
:closure measuring some 120 ft. [feet] by 110 ft. [feet] in diameter.
The rig is watershed between the Dryfe Water and
the [blank] burn and faces straight down the
valley of the former. The enclosure has been formed
by a stone wall some 6 ft [feet] in thickness at base now
reduced to a low stony bank overgrown with
turf. It is not surrounded by a trench and
except for its site affords no suggestion of a
defensive construction. It appears to have been
hollowed to a depth of some 2 ft. [feet] in the interior.
Carthur Hill Fort.
This fort is situated on the extreme E [East] edge of
the summit of Carthur Hill, an eminence which
rises very steeply for some 250 ft [feet] above the right
bank of the Dryfe Water & to the S W. [South West] of Waterhead.
On the W. [West] a hollow cuts off the site of the fort
from the extended platform of the hilltop, while along the
E [East] side the slope is almost precipitous.
The enceinte which is oblong with rounded
ends lias with its longest axis N E. [North East] and S W. [South West]
[Continued on page 57] |
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[Page] 57
[Continued from page 56]
and measures some 210 ft. [feet] by 120 ft. [feet]. A narrow ridge of
rock running along the crest of the hill from N E. [North East]
appears to have been utilised as the line of the
defence on the N W. [North West] side and along this
has been constructed a stony rampart formed to
a considerable extent by the cutting away of the
rock on the interior, which has apparently been
surmounted by a wall the whole rising to a
height of about 11 ft. [feet] on the exterior at two distinct
gradients, divided by a shoulder at about 5 ft. [feet]
below the crest, the lower portion being steeper
while the upper is probably encumbered with
debris from the wall. Across the space
intervening between the ridge & the edge of the
summit the rampart or wall of the fort
whichever it may it is difficult to say without
excavation, has been carried, and, in
diminished height, also along the E [East] edge. There
has been an entrance into the lowest part
of the interior from the S E. [South East] opening into a
hollow which appears to have been excavated
and above which the ground slopes upward
to the crest of the rampart some 15 ft. [feet] in height
In rear of the hollow and at a slightly
higher level is a circular depression cut
out of rock on the upper side and with its
[Continued on page 58] |
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[Page] 58
[Continued from page 57]
[Opposite page]
^1. and on the right of the hollow
from the slight ridge on the surface there
appears to be an oval foundation, probably
of a hut circle
longest axis towards the entrance measuring
some 34 ft. [feet] by 28 ft. ^1. There seems to have been a
second entrance by a ramp a little to the
S E. [South East] of the other approached a long the face of the
steep bank. The fort on Rangecastle Hill looks
down on this from the opposite side of the Dryfe.
Enclosure Peat Hill
On the E [East] slope of Peat Hill at an elevation of some
800 ft. [feet] over sea level and looking down a hollow
Southward into Dryfesdale are portions of an
oval enclosure. It lies on sloping ground dipping
considerably to a hollow on the E [East] in which there
is a spring of water. The construction consists
of two segments of rampart, the sides of the oval, some
200 ft. [feet] and 160' in length respectively, covered by a trench
23 ft. [feet] wide and 4 deep. On the N W. North West] and S E. [South East] the
highest and lowest points the cincture does
not appear to have been completed, but from end to
end of the S W. [South West] segment a low bank has been erected
forming an enclosure of that side at the upper
end of which is a circular excavated hollow
some 3 ft. [feet] in diameter,
Enclosure Waterhead
Behind the shepherd's house at Waterhead on the
left bank of the Dryfe and some 40' above the
base of the hill there is a foursided enclosure
with rounded angles measuring about 100 ft. [feet]
each way dug out of the falling ground
[Continued on page 59] |
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[Page] 59
[Continued from page 58]
with a scarp from 5 ft. [feet] to 8 ft. [feet] high on three
sides and the apparent foundations of a wall along
the fourth from the front of which the ground
falls sharply for some 20 ft. [feet] to a low terrace
above the haughland reaching to the river. The
floor of the interior has been cultivated and is level.
This enclosure is similar to that at Burnfoot
and many others seemingly associated with farms
and shepherds houses. They present features much
resembling certain enclosures which have a surrounding
trench and thus do show some defensive character.
27" July 1912
Wrote up notes all day, albeit a Saturday
29 July 1912
A hopelessly wet day
30 July 1912
Dryfesdale Par [Parish] Fort Hallmuir
This fort is situation at the edge of a
billowy ridge about 1/4 mile South of the farm
of Hallmuir and within a wood.
It lies with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South]
measuring some 390' by 255 ft. [feet] O. S. Meas. [Ordnance Survey Measurements]. To the E. [East] the
ground is level and rises but little above
the interior, but within the interior toward the
W. [West] side it dips considerably. Except on the
lower side when the defences are now difficult
to follow, the fort is surrounded by a broad
rampart of earth and stone measuring
some 20 ft. [feet] in width at base, and 4 ft. [feet] in
height on the interior with a trench in front
[Continued on page 60] |
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[Page] 60
[Continued from page 59]
some 33 ft. [feet] wide and 5 ft. [feet] deep.
Enclosure Castle Hill
In a fir wood immediately in rear of the cottages
at Castle Hill are the very faint remains of an
oblong earthwork with rounded ends. It lies
with its main axis N W. [North west] and S E. [South East] measuring some
230 ft. [feet] by 140 ft. [feet] and has been surrounded by two ramparts
of earth & stone 18 ft. [feet] broad at base with an intervening
trench 21 ft. [feet] wide. The ramparts are now only noticeable
as slight swellings on the surface at no place rising to
a greater height than 2 ft. [feet] above the bottom of the
trench. The enclosure has been divided into
two parts by a trench some 14 ft. [feet] to 15 ft. [feet] wide and
now very shallow across the centre. There has been a
separate entrance into each division. The area
around is very level and the situation is not particu:
:larly defensible; it commands, however, a fine
prospect of the dale of Annan to the Northward.
Fort Castlehill
At the extremity of the ridge which reaches
Northward from the enclosure at Castlehill and
some 200 yds. [yards] distant from it is a fort irregularly
circular in form with a diameter of some 280 ft. [feet]
from N. [North] to S. [South] by 285 ft. [feet] from E. [East] to W. [West] (O.S. [Ordnance Survey] measurements).
The ground has a slight fall from the S. [South]
tails away gradually on each flank, and at
the Northern extremity dips steeply to the level
some 30 ft [feet] below. The enceinte has been surrounded
[Continued on page 61] |
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[Continued from page 60]
by a rampart apparently of earth measuring some
30 ft. [feet] in thickness at base and rising not more than
3' on the inner face with a trench some 30 ft. [feet] in
width from crest to crest 6 ft. [feet] deep below the scarp,
and some 4' below the counterscarp at the S. [South] end.
Along the flanks and round the N. [North] end the parapet
diminishes and the trench becomes shallower.
On the N W. [North West] where there is a slight depression on
the face of the ridge there appears to have been an
entrance leading into the interior at its lowest
point and there has also been an entrance of less width, seemingly about 5' by
a ramp on the E. [East] side. The situation though
only at an elevation of some 200 ft. [feet] over sea level
commands a considerable prospect up Annandale.
This fort which appears to be a pure earthwork as
far as I could see, reminded me considerably in
form and nature of its situation to a fort near
Drumcoltran in the Stewartry. It does not belong
to the scooped out class.
Enclosure Castle Hill
At the edge of the Castle Hill overlooking Bengall
farm and about 1/4 m. [mile] S S W. [South South West] of Castle Hill Cottage
is a circular enclosure. On its S W. [South West] side it has been con:
:siderably hollowed in the interior so that the
floor lies some 3 ft. [feet] below the level of the sur:
:rounding ground though on the N E [North East] half it apparently remains at the natural level. It has been surrounded
by a stony bank some 16 ft. [feet] wide now reduced
[Continued on page 62] |
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[Continued from page 61]
[Opposite page Photograph of Gravestone]
to a trifling level on the exterior. The entrance seems
to have been into the lower point.
St. Mungos Par [Parish] Fort (remains) Nutholm Hill.
At the N. [North] end on Nutholm Hill an eminence which lies
about 1/4 m. [mile] to the N E. [North East] of Nutholm hill farm is a fragment
of a rampart some 60 ft. [feet] in length with a trench to the
outside the bottom of which lies some 3 ft. [feet] below the
crest of the scarp, the remains of fort which
at one time evidently crowned the summit
The enceinte has probably been cunilinear. The
summit does not appear to have been levelled or
excavated. It commands a fine prospect of both
Dryfesdale and Annandale to the Northward.
Enclosure Nutholm
On the lower slope of Nutholm hill some [blank] yds. [yards]
to the E [East] of Nutholmhill farm are the very faint
remains of an oval enclosure partially destroyed
by the road and greatly demolished by the plough.
A broad inner bank which has surrounded it
is discernible towards the W. [West] and a slight hollow
indicating a trench.
St. Mungo's Churchyard
Some 12 ft. [feet] out from the S. [South] gable of the old
church of St. Mungo stands a gravestone
2'.9'' above ground and 1'.11'' in breadth elaborately
sculptured. In the centre of the angular head of
the stone is a shield charged with three bells.
on the dexter side the figure of a man in
a long skirted coat, on the sinister that of a
[Continued on page 63] |
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[Page] 63
[Continued from page 62]
[Opposite page Photograph of Gravestone]
woman with the figure of a child beneath all
standing on a scroll inscribed Memento Mori
on the centre of the stone flanked by a panel on
either side containing a skull and crossbones
and an hour glass and crossbones respectively,
is a representation of Adam and Eve on either
side of the tree of knowledge being tempted by the
serpent, while underneath runs the legend.
Here stands Adam & Eve tree and all
Which by his fall
We were made sinners all.
On the back are commemorated John Bell in
Givinbe who died October 25 1737 Aged 71, his wife
and members of his family.
31st July 1912
Fort Crawthat Cottage Tundergarth Par. [Parish]
On a projecting plateau at the base of a hill
in rear of Crawthat Cottage & on the side of the
road from Lockerbie to Langholm is a fort.
The plateau has a general elevation of from 30 ft. [feet]
to 40 ft. [feet] above the wet meadows to E [East] and W. [West] of it
and the roadway over what has also been marshy
ground on the S. [South]. to the N. [North] the hillside slopes
upward by an easy gradient. The fort, which
is approximately oval, measures interiorly 190 ft. [feet]
by 170 ft. [feet] its longest diameter being from N E. [North East] to
S W. [South West]. It is divided into two distinct divisions
by a trench 18 ft [feet] wide dug across the interior
[Continued on page 64] |
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[Page] 64
[Continued from page 63]
from N E. [North East] to S W. [South West] cutting off approximately 1/3 towards the S E. [South East]
which forms a separately defensible outer ward.
The main area is surrounded to the outside by a
Rampart some 4 ft. [feet] high at highest on the interior
with a trench in front 24 ft. [feet] in width and facing the lower ground 6 ft. [feet]
deep below scarp and counterscarp, both sharply
cut to a floor now 6 ft. [feet]. broad. On the S. [South] side facing
the lower ground there is a mound on the counter:
:scarp some 15 ft. [feet] wide at base. The trench which
separates this area from the forecourt is slightly
constricted at each end and is carried into the
trench of the main defence. The outer ward is
surrounded by a rampart rising above the
sectional trench across the interior and
carried round the outside with traces of a
trench outside it. Somewhat to the N. [North] of the
centre of the E. S E. [East South East] arc is an entrance which
appears to have been some 7 ft. [feet] wide through
which a roadway, distinctly traceable leading
up the bank from the Eastward passes diagonally
across to a gap in the cross trench & rampart
opening to the inner ward. As far as ascertain:
:able this inner entrance has measured some
12 ft. [feet] across. On the N. [North] side of the inner
area partially set on the rampart is a
hut circle measuring some 25 ft. [feet] in diameter
[Continued on page 65] |
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[Continued from page 64]
interiorly surrounded by an earthen bank
some 18'' high and 6' broad. the entrance through
which appears to have been from the W S W [West South West] where
there is a slight depression not however, carried
to the floor level. At the entrance to the
outerward the rampart on either side projects
outward and has probably been originally carried
forward to the counterscarp of the trench now cut
off by a modern roadway from the cottage.
? Fort Tundergarth 7.a.
[Margin]
Note This is not
the fort marked
on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] see
p. [page] 117.
The O.S. [Ordnance Survey] marks a fort on the S. [South] slope of the glen
about 1/2 m. [mile] further E. [East] than Crawthat cottage.
It is not a fortified site but a large enclosure
surrounded by a turf bank and containing a smaller
one within it. Within the larger high up on the
E. [East] side is a hut circle measuring 24' in interior
diameter and surrounded by a turf bank some
18'' high - and at the base of the hill is another
measuring 21 ft. [feet] by 19 ft. [feet]. In neither case is the
entrance apparent
Middlebie Par. [Parish] Enclosure Muckle Snab Hill.
On the E. [East] face of Muckle Snab Hill at an
elevation of some 900 ft. [feet] over sea level as it
slopes down to the glen of the [blank] burn is
a fragment of a circular or oval enclosure
surrounded by a low stony bank. Within the
interior area on the lower side is an artificial
looking hollow measuring some 50 ft. [feet] in diameter
[Continued on page 66] |
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[Page] 66
[Continued from page 65]
[Opposite page sketch/drawing of Sheep Shelter]
Sheep shelter or bughts at the head of the glen up from
Winterhope to the S.W. [South West] of Haggie Hill, surrounded by
low mounds overgrown with grass.
excavated to a depth of from 2 to 5 ft. [feet] as the
ground rises from one side to the other.
Tundergarth Par. [Parish] Fort. Haggie Hill
This fort occupies the extreme N. [North] end of Haggie Hill,
a long grassy ridge which extends Northward
at an elevation of 1000 ft. [feet] over sea level from the
Doe's Hill overlooking Winterhope Head. To W. [West] and N. [North]
the ground declines rapidly reaching away in the
former direction to the glen of the Capel Burn.
The fort is oval with its main axis N. [North] and S. [South]
and measures interiorly 204 ft. [feet] by 163 ft. [feet]. It is sur:
:rounded by a stony rampart, low towards the
interior, but with a steep scarp falling some 12' to
a trench cut through rock varying in breadth
from 29 ft. [feet] to 35' and having a counterscarp from
6' to 7 ft. [feet] high on the upper side of the fort and 3 ft. [feet] on the
lower. The rampart has been surrounded by
a stone parapet the foundation of which, visible
at many points, measures 5 ft. [feet] in breadth. The
entrance has been from the W. [West] some 6 ft. [feet] wide
and on either side of it there has evidently
been stone work carried forward to the ends
of the trench. In the S E. [South East] part of the area there
is a depression measuring some 36 ft. [feet] by 60 ft, [feet]
in which rushes are growing thickly and
which appears to have been excavated.
The view from this fort is most extensive
[Continued on page 67] |
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[Page] 67
[Continued from page 66]
comprising all the country, which lies within a
girdle of mountains from Criffel to Ettrick Pen.
Middlehill Fort
On the Southern extremity of the Doe's Hill at an
elevation of some 840 ft. [feet] above sea level is situated
a fort. It lies on falling ground looking
straight down the glen of the Winterhope Burn
and over [blank] miles of intervening land to the
Solway. In shape it resembles a human ear,
an irregular oval with a greater convexity on the
E. [East] than on the W. [West] side, lying with its main axis
N. [North] and S. [South] and measuring some 200 ft. [feet] by 130 ft. [feet] (O.S. [Ordnance Survey]
measurement). It is surrounded by a rampart
of earth and stone with a trench in front of it.
deepest at the N. [North] or higher end where it measures
26 ft. [feet] in width and 6 ft. [feet] in depth and gradually vanishing
as it passes down the slopes on either side. The
entrance has been from the W. [West] 10 ft. [feet] to 12 ft. [feet] wide
and opened into the lower side of the interior.
The surface is very uneven and the area has
been considerably excavated below the natural
level. On the left of the entrance is a large
circular hollow measuring some 54ft [feet] by 80ft [feet]
contained between the rampart and a low
stony bank. There appears to be a second
and less important entrance from the SSE [South South East] also
opening into an excavated area. Crossing
[Continued on page 68] |
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[Page] 68
[continued from page 67]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
the shoulder of the hill above the fort and some 60 ft. [feet]
distant from it near the centre of the N. [North] and is a
low bank which melts away in the surface before
it connects with the trench on either side.
(This covering mound is similar to a feature in one
of the forts on Broomhillbank hill, Applegarth Page 44)
Near the base of the hill and halfway between
the fort and Winterhope Head are two hut circles
and the remains of a third of the usual type
measuring some 20 ft. [feet] in diameter.
1st Augt. [August] 1912
Tundergath Fort (remains of) Mosshead Hill
Situated to the S. [South] of the summit of Mosshead Hill
and at a slightly lower elevation, are the slight
remains of a sub-oval fort which has measured
some 250 ft. [feet] by 210 ft. [feet]. The hill slopes away towards
the S. [South]. On the upper side defences are represented
by a scarp and only on the W. [West] and S. [South] do portions
of the rampart remain, while on the W. [West] there
is also about 120 ft. [feet] of a trench outside measuring
44 ft. [feet] in width from crest to crest, 7 ft. [feet] in depth
below the scarp, 4 ft. [feet] below the counterscarp
and 14 ft. [feet] across the flat bottom. The entrance
some 13 ft. [feet] in width has been from the S W. [South West]
The fort faces Birrenswark Hill lying about 1 1/2 m. [miles] to the S S E. [South South East].
1st Augt. [August] 1912
Tundergarth Church
Close to the S [South] wall of the ruined church
of Tundergarth and somewhat to the E [East] of
the centre stands a gravestone carved on
front with a male figure in a full skirted
[Continued on page 69] |
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[Page] 69
[Continued from page 68]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
coat holding a plumb-line in his hands against
the face of a wall. On the back of the stone is
incised an inscription which reads ''Here lyes
George McClean Mayson in Wiliehole who died
29th March 1760. Aged 67 years.
Behold this mayson
With his plumb line in his hand
For he ever took sufficient pain
That his foundation firm should stand
To the S. [South] of the E. [East] end of the Old Church stands a freestone
stone inscribed on the back Here lyes James
Johnston of Nether Castlehill who died Octr. [October] 8: 1711
aged 39. on the front of the stone is carved
the Johnston Arms A saltire on a chief three
cushions with richly carved mantling.
Beneath Adam and Eve standing on either
side of the tree around which the serpent
is coiled. Around the lower part of the stone
is inscribed "The serpent and the tree
were fatal to Adam's posterity." On a
shoulder at each side is carved a
human head. The whole treatment of
this stone is more artistic than that usually
meted out to gravestones of its class, the
quality is remarkable the lettering & carving
being as sharp as the day which they were cut.
[Continued on page 70] |
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[Page] 70
[Continued from page 69]
[Opposite page sketch/drawing of shield - Photograph inserted]
There are in the churchyard a number of other
slabs of the of the 17th or commencement of the
18th century, many of them bearing Johnston
Arms and comemorating individuals
usually described as having lived in credit
and reputation and died in the Lord.
[Margin] Omit
One stone bears a shield reversed with three
mullets in chief and above what looks like a
bird of prey on the wing proper! The inscription
reads "heir lyes the body of Agnes Johnston gentle:
:woman spous to Daid Hall in Corrimains who
lived in credit and died in the fear of the lord
who departed this life in Februer 24 day 1673
Age 34. &c.
Stone Circle Whiteholmrig
At the Eastern end of Whiteholm Rig, a broad
grassy ridge rising to an elevation of some
600 ft. [feet] above sea level, and about 1/4 m. [mile] E N E. [East North East] of
Standburn Cottages on the road from Lockerbie to
Langholm are the remains of a stone circle
known as "the Seven Brethren". It appears to
have had a diameter of about 62 ft. [feet] and
to have consisted of at least twelce stone
of which seven and possibly eight remain.
Of the seven stones four remain upright and
in situ. slabs of whinstone varying from
8'' to 1'.8'' in thickness & from 2' to 3'.4'' in breadth. & from 1'.2'' to 2'-4''
[Continued on page 71] |
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[Page] 71
[Continued from page 70]
in height above ground. The possible eighth stone is indicated
by a mere point protruding through the turf to
the N E. [North East] of the centre of the circle. The largest slab
lies much tilted over towards the E S E. [East South East] and is
exposed for a length of 4'.7" with a breadth of 3'.
Due N. [North] of the centre is a large slab 3'.3" broad, 10" thick,
broken off at 14" above the ground level, and at 28"
beyond it, also due N [North] of the centre & outside the peri:
:phery lies a block of stone 3.5" in length by 1'.6"
in breadth. It is impossible to say whether this
stone lies fallen in its original position or has been removed
from the circle. From the site of the circle
there is an extensive prospect up the glen of the
water of milk to the distant hills of Eskdale. (Plan & Photo)
Toll Whitstone Hill (1)
This fort occupies a commanding position
on the crest of Whitstone Hill rising in a bend
of the Waters of Milk to a height of [blank] above
the stream and of [blank] ft. above sea level, com:
manding a prospect of many miles down the
vale westward to Annandale and N E [North East] to the head of Eskdale.
The construction is elliptical in form surrounded
by a massive rampart rising some 4' to 5'
above the interior. To the exterior the scarp
is maintained at a fairly regular height of from
6 ft. [feet] to 8 ft. [feet] and where the ground beyond is
high enough to necessitate its being cut through
[Continued on page 72] |
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[Continued from page 71]
there is a trench at its base some 30 ft. [feet] in width except
beside the entrance where it has a width of 35 ft. [feet].
The entrance is from the W. [West] some 12 ft. [feet] wide crossing above
the trench on unexcavated ground but sloping
downwards from the level of the crest of the counter:
:scarp. The top of the rampart is stony as if there
had been a pitching of flat stones upon but there is
no sign of a wall. The trench for the most part
is cut through rock.
This has been a most disagreeable day with
much rain in the afternoon. The weather is just
as bad as it could be.
2nd Augt. [August]
A wet disagreeable day, wrote up notes.
Dryfesdale Fort Dryfesdale Gate.
This fort has been situated immediately to the S. [South] of
the farm of Dryfesdale Gate on a point of land
formed by the meeting of two high banks on the N [North] and
W,. [West] The plateau has risen to a slight eminence
towards the point and on this the fort has been
formed. On the N. [North] & W. [West] there is an elevation
from 30 ft [feet] to 40 ft [feet] above the low haughland that
stretches back to the dryfe and on the E. [East] the
gradient is easier and the elevation less.
Across the plateau towards the S. [South] at the base
of the rising ground these are visible the
remains of a trench also the entrance which
has been from that direction but the whole area
[Continued on page 73] |
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[Page] 73
[Continued from page 72]
of the fort is under crop and any mound which
may have encircled the plateau has long since
been ploughed down. The O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map shows the
plan as an irregular oval with almost a right
angle towards the N W. [North West] formed by the meeting of two comparatively
straight faults. With its longest
axis N N W [North North West] to S S E. [South South East] it has measured some 200ft. [feet]
by 150 ft. [feet].
Cairn No.15. Dryfeholm
Of this cairn as shown on the 6'' map there is not
a trace nor does its existece appear to be recollected.
A man who had been on the place 33 years had
never heard of it.
Fort. Gallaberry Dryfeholm.
This fort is situated on the crest of a ridge of
land that lies between the Dryfe Water and
the Annan about 1 mile above their confluence.
It has been an oval enclosure with its longest
axis N W. [North West] and S E. [South East] measuring in the interior
some 320 ft. [feet] in length and according to the
line of its now demolished defences on the N E. [North East] as
indicated on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] plan, some 210 ft. [feet] in breadth.
On the S W. [South West] the ground falls abruptly for some
40 ft. [feet] to 50 ft [feet] to the low haugh. land which
stretches back to the Annan and on the N E. [North East]
it has a longer and easier gradient towards
the Dryfe, towards the N W. [North West] it falls by a
gentle inclination, as likewise it does to the S E. [South East]
[Continued on page 74] |
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[Continued from page 73]
Along the edge of the bank to the S W. [South West] there appears
to have been no need for substantial defences, and
as already stated in the cultivated land on the N E. [North East]
whatever lines were there have disappeared: only at
the ends of the oval do they now remain, At
the N W. [North West] extremity these are very formidable
and consist of three ramparts with intervening
trenches. The inner rampart rises some 4 ft. [feet] above
the interior, has a breadth at base of some 40 ft. [feet] with
a scarp 12 ft. [feet] in elevation above the inner trench
which has a width from crest to crest of 40 ft. [feet]
& 4' at bottom.
The second rampart has a breadth from the
bottom of the trench on either side of 46 ft. [feet] & rises
7 ft. [feet] above the inner trench and 4' above the outer.
The second trench is 25 ft. [feet] wide at top 5' at bottom and 4' deep below
the crest of the outer mound which has a breadth
of 25 ft. [feet] at base and an elevation of about 2'
to the exterior. The ramparts converge towards
the edge of the bank. At the S [South] end the defences
are less well-defined. the parapet mound at
the end of the interior has a height of some
18'' to 2' on the inside, in front of it is a
trench some 27 ft. [feet] wide and about 5 ft. [feet] deep
beyond which rises a rampart some 25 ft. [feet]
wide at base and 4 ft. [feet] high to the outside.
In front of this there appears to be a trench
[Continued on page 75] |
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[Page] 75
[Continued from page 74]
now difficult of discernment among the under:
:growth seemingly 40 ft. [feet] wide but the counter:
:scarp being ill defined this dimension must
be regarded as approximate. At this end on
the S W. [South West] the bank does not fall so abruptly
and some 10' below the summit level there has
been a trench, now shallow about 7 ft. [feet] wide with
a low mound on the counterscarp. a road
in a deep cutting passes through the fort towards
the S E. [South East] end. The interior is overgrown with trees
and a thick undergrowth of raspberry canes and
bracken.
Applegarth Churchyard.
Just opposite the E. [East] end of the church stands a
tombstone with the figure of a woman carved
on it holding in her left hand an hour glass
and in her right an open book: Inscribed on
the back " Here lies Andrew Jardine in Peelhouses
who departed this life the 21 day of Sept. [September] 1777 eged
83 years also Jean Atchison his spouse died
Jany [January] 24th 1736 Aged 36 years" The stone
probably belongs to the earlier date.
Applegarth Mote
The Mote of Applegarth rises on the termination
of a steep bank, no doubt in former days washed
at its base by the Annan on the W [West] though that
river now flows by through meadow land
yards away. It is [blank] yds. [yards] to the S. [South] of the parish
[Continued on page 76] |
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[Page] 76
[Continued from page 75]
church and within the grounds of the Manse the
kitchen garden of which lies on its summit.
From the base of the bank on the W. [West] the mound
rises to a height of 29' with a steep scarp and
passing round the S. [South] to the E. [East] side as the ground
rises the elevation diminishes to 14' while across
the higher level to the N. [North] the height of the
summit above the lawn is only some 6 ft. [feet].
In the latter direction the levels have probably
been interfered with in connection with the
amenity of the manse and there is now no
trace of the trench which no doubt existed
here nor is it possible to say whether a base
court existed on this higher level. Along the
E [East] side and round to S. [South] some 6 ft. below the
summit and 8 ft. [feet] above the base is a 6 ft. [feet]
terrace gradually descending to the base
level on the N. [North] face. This terrace on the E. [East] and
S. [South] appears to be an original feature but
beneath it the mound is faced with a
modern retaining wall and it is possible
that the profile has been altered in comparatively
modern times. The summit is circular
measuring in diameter 105 ft. [feet] from N. [North] to S. [South]
by 116 ft. [feet] from E. [East] to W. [West].
5th Aug [August] 1912.
A wet day, the second in succession. |
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[Page] 77
[Opposite page]
Note This fort may be compared with that on p. [page] 60
at Castlehill Applegarth.
6th Aug. [August] 19.12.
Fort Millbank Applegarth Par. [Parish]
This fort which appears to be a pure earthwork is situated on a gentle undulation
about 1/4 m. [mile] W. S W. [West. South West] of Millbank farm some 2 ms. [miles]
to the N. [North] of Lockerbie and is enclosed and
planted with trees. In plan it is circular
with a diameter of some 208 ft. [feet] surrounded by
a single trench [at] 35 ft. [feet] in width with a depth
where best preserved of 8 ft. [feet] below the crests of
the scarp and counterscarp. Crowning the
scarp is a parapet mound some 18 ft. [feet] in
thickness at base and 3' to 4' in height on the
interior while a similar mound surmounts
the counterscarp. Near the centre of the N. [North] side
there is an entrance by a gangway 5 ft. [feet] wide
crossing the trench at an elevation of 4 ft. [feet] above
the bottom level, and through the parapet mound
by a gap of equal width, and there appears to
have been a second entrance from the W. [West] passing
inwards at the level of the ground outside into a
hollow in the lowest point of the interior.
The inner circle of the enceinte has been preserved
complete but except towards the N. [North] the trench
has passed into land now under cultivation
and has suffered in consequence. The
site though only at an elevation of [blank]
commands a fine prospect up Annandale.
Balgray Cleuchheads
Along the the East & South sides of a
[Continued on page 78] |
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[Continued from page 77]
wooded ravine 200 yds. [yards] to the W. [West] of Balgray Cleuch:
:heads runs a bank of earth and stone making a return
Northward at its Eastern extremity. The construction
is noted as a "fort" on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] but the remains are
fragmentary and the designation doubtful.
Fort Cumstone Burn.
Some 300 yds. [yards] to the W. [West] of Cumstone farm house on
the top of the steep right bank of the Cumstone Burn
some 25 ft. [feet] above the level of the stream is an
oval enclosure with its longest axis N [North] by W. [West] and
S [South] by E [East] and measuring interiorly 179 ft. [feet] by 157 ft. [feet].
It is surrounded by a rampart of earth & stone some 22 ft. [feet]
broad at base rising from 3 ft. [feet] to 5 ft. [feet] above
the level of the interior with a concentric
trench to the outside carried to the face of the bank at either end 22 ft. [feet] wide, 5 ft. [feet] deep below
the crest of the rampart and with a slight
counterscarp. The situation is at the base of the
Bow Hill and commands no prospect to
speak of.
Fort Hencastle Rig.
This fort is situated on the end of a low
saddlebacked ridge called the Hencastle Rig
which runs down from the E [East] expanding
somewhat suddenly with a circular plateau
at its Western extremity when it projects
into the haughland by the left bank of
the Corrie Water some 100 yds. [yards] distant from
the stream. A burn flows down a ravine
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[Continued from page 78]
on the N. [North] and the side of the plateau present a
somewhat steep escarpment steepest
at the W. [West] end where it has an elevation of some
30 ft. [feet] above the meadow land, The fort on plan
appears to have been oval with its longest
axis N N E. [North North East] to S S W. [South South West] but the N N E. [North North East] extremity is now
bounded by the somewhat straight edge of the
bank overlooking the burn. The interior now measures
164 ft. [feet] by 131 ft. [feet]. Surrounding it except above
the bank is a broad rampart of earth and stone
some 4 ft. [feet] to 5 ft. [feet] high in the interior, on the exterior
increasing from 4 ft. [feet] on the E [East] to 8 ft. [feet] to 9 ft. [feet] on the
S. [South] and W. [West] with a concentric trench in front
some 18 ft. [feet] wide from the base of the rampart
and now showing a very slight concavity.
There has been a broad entrance to the area
up the steep W. [West] face and on the E. [East] side
there appears to have been a narrow opening
not far back from the bank of the burn.
Enclosure Craighouse.
About 1/4 m. [mile] S [South] by W. [West] of the farm of Craighouse
and on the face of a bank which slopes
down to the haughland by the Corrie Water
is a pearshaped enclosure lying with
its longest axis N E [North East] and S W. [South West] and meas:
:uring 260 ft. [feet] by 194 ft. [feet]. To N. [North] and S. [South] it is
bounded by a small natural ravine. The
[Continued on page 80] |
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[Continued from page 79]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
construction has been surrounded except where
the ravine on the S. [South] serves a similar purpose, and
at the base of the slope by a trench some
30 ft. [feet] in width from crest to crest, flat bottomed
on the N E. [North East], or higher end and V shaped on
the lower. In the former position the scarp
& counterscarp have respectively heights of
5 ft. [feet] and 4 ft. [feet] and in the latter of considerably
more (I think about 10 ft. [feet] and 6 ft. [feet] but I omitted
to note the measurement. Above the trench
on the interior is a parapet mound in
rear of which the ground appears to have
been dug out so that from the crest of the
mound there is a gradual decline
merging into the slope of the interior. The
enclosure is on falling ground and opens
with no defences at its lower end on to the
low haugh land and has rising ground
immediately above it. For the last 82 ft. [feet] of
the longer diameter to the bottom of the slope
the gradient is steeper.
Graveyard Corriehills
Some 4 ft. [feet] out from the S. [South] wall of the grave:
:yard is a stone carved on the front with
the figure of a man with a wig on his head
& wearing a skirted coat holding a skeleton
by the hand. On the back an inscription
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[Continued from page 80]
commemorates Gavin Smith in Birsca
and his spouse who died February 17 day,
1710.
On a mound in the centre of the churchyard
evidently covering the ruins of the church
lies a squared block of freestone measuring
6 ft. [feet] 5 1/2 ins. [inches] in length, 9 ins. [inches] thickness 1 ft.[foot] 11 ins. [inches] in
breadth at the head, diminishing to 1 ft. [foot] 6 ins. [inches] at the
foot, whereon is carved a foliated cross in
the form of a cross potent with a lozenge shaped
boss in the centre, with a long shaft set on
a calvary. A broad bladed symmetrically
pointed sword is incised on one side of
the shaft the handle of which is entirely worn
away. The cross is carved in relief but is
much weatered. The edge of the stone has
a border of projecting ? dog toothed bosses 6 ins. [inches] apart
rising from a 4 ins. [inch] chamfer the interspaces
on the chamfer decorated with a leaf ornament.
Fort. remains. Corrie common.
About 1/2 m. [mile] to the W. [West] of Corrie Common
and 1/4 m. [mile] E [East] by S. [South] of Parkcleuchfoot is a
segment of a curvilinear fort outside a
wood measing [measuring] along the curve some 240' in length. It has apparently rested on a
steep bank on the N. [North] side of a lynn but
beyond the segment in the rough pasture no
trace remains. The existing portion
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[Continued from page 81]
consists of a massive rampart rising some
6ft. [feet] above the interior level and dropping steeply
for 12 ft. [feet] at most to a trench in part a natural
hollow 38 ft. [feet] wide from crest to crest with a
depth of 7 ft. [feet] below the crest of the counterscarp.
As the rampart diverges at the N W. [North West] from the
line of the original hollow the trench ceases.
In rear of the defences at the N.W. [North West] end is an oval
hut circle near meas. [measuring] interiorly 30 ft. [feet] by 32 ft. [feet] with
its longest axis N W. [North West] and S E. [South East] surrounded
by a low bank of earth some 7 ft. [feet] wide with
a narrow break through it at either end
as if for entrance.
7" Augt. [August] 1912
Fort Carlerton.
This fort lies adjacent to the farm of Carterton
at the head of the glen of the Corrie Water
The site is the termination of a long narrow
sadlebacked ridge running in a South Westerly
direction and forming the watershed between
the Back Burn and the Corrie Water, which
flow by the base of the fort on either side
uniting some 70 to 80 yds. [yards] distant from the
point of the ridge. The fort occupies the
crest, the ground declining towards it by an
easy gradient from the N E. [North East] dropping steeply
to the respective burns on either flank and
running out to the termination of the ridge at a
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[Continued from page 82]
gradient of about 1 in 9. The fort lies at an
elevation of some 600 ft. [feet] over sea level, at its
higher end some 36 ft. [feet] above the burns and
at its lowest about 30. It is oblong on plan
with its longest axis N E [North East] and S W. [South West] measuring
198 ft. [feet] by 108 ft. [feet] and is surrounded by a massive
rampart of earth and stone rising above the interior
level some 8 ft. [feet] at the N E. [North East] end and diminishing
to 3 ft. [feet] or 4 ft. [feet] along each flank. On the N W. [North West]
side of the fort is not far distant from the pre:
:cipitous edge of the ravine of the Corrie, but on
the opposite or S E. [South East] flank a stretch of level
ground intervenes between the base of the ridge
& the burn. On the former side outer defences
have been deemed unnecessary but on the
latter some 15 ft. [feet] below the crest of the parapet
at the higher end and 10 ft. [feet] at the lower, is a
terrace varying from 13 ft. [feet] to 18 ft. [feet] in breadth
commencing directly below the line of the
rampart at the N E [North East] end and carried round
to the S W. [South West] where faced with a rampart it
forms a small forecourt 18 ft. [feet] broad in
front of the entrance. At 80 ft. [feet] out from
the rampart at the N E. [North East] end another mound
25 ft. [feet] broad at base, but now low in elevation, crosses
the higher part of the ridge with a trench like
[Continued on page 84] |
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[Continued from page 83]
hollow 36 ft. [feet] in width and 4 ft. [feet] deep below the crest,
in front of it. The lower half of the interior
appears to have been to some extent hollowed
by excavation. The entrance has been through
the centre of the lower end passing through
the outer rampart over the forecourt and
between two massive mounds for a distance of
52 ft, [feet]. These mounds are probably for the most
part natural formed by the excavation of the
ground on either side and on the top of
each is a hollow either the site of a hut or of
a massive parapet wall which has been torn out.
The width of the entrance is 6 ft. [feet]. In the N. [North] angle
there is another smaller entrance or postern, which, judging
from the inward curves of the base of the rampart
on either side, has originally been narrower than
it is at present. The crest of the rampart is stony
and has possibly been surmounted by a
parapet wall carried across the summit
of the mounds on either side of the main entrance
The interior has a fall of some 8 ft. [feet] from
back to front. (see O.S. [Ordnance Survey] plan)
Fort Dormont Rig Carterton.
This fort is situated on the crest of the Dormont
Rig at an elevation of 807 ft. [feet] above sea
level and about 1/2 m. [mile] E N E [East North East] of Carterton.
It occupies the N E. [North East] extremity of the Rig with
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[Continued from page 84]
[Opposite page sketch/drawing]
declining in front of it slightly to rise to a higher
eminence a mile away and holds in view to
the Southward the vale of the Corrie Water and
to N W [North West] and N E. [North East] a fringe of distant mountain tops
The fort has been curvilinear, either circular or
oval but its original shape has been lost by the
destruction of the South arc in cultivation. The
remaining portion is surrounded by a
rampart rising some 3 ft. [feet] above the interior
level and dropping some 6 or 7 feet to a trench
some 30 ft. [feet] wide cut through rock, and some
3 ft. [feet] in depth below the crest of the counterscarp.
Across the moorland from the N E. [North East] a
mound some 11 ft. [feet] in breadth and about 2 ft. [feet]
in height, with a trench some 13 ft. [feet] in width on
the W [West] side is to be seen approaching directly
towards the highest point of the fort. As it
draws near to it a second parallel mound
is discernible on the W. [West] side of the trench
and at some 52 ft. [feet] distant from the outer rampart
of the fort, forming the counterscarp of its trench,
the two mounds diverge to junction with the
counterscarp mound as it passes along each
flank forming an angular enclosure in front.
There is no perceptible junction of these mounds
with the actual defences of the fort and they
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[Continued from page 85]
merge into them as if they were a part of the original
construction.
Enclosure Pyatshaws Rig.
On the crest of the Pyatshaws Rig a prominent
ridge running Northward from the valley of the
Water of Milk and to the S E. [South East] of Corrie Common formimg the watershed between the Troutbeck
and the Stidrigg Burn is a circular
enclosure lying at an elevation of 774 ft. [feet] over
sea level and measuring 162 ft. [feet] in diameter.
It is surrounded by a rampart of earth and
stone some 2 ft. [feet] to 3 ft. [feet] in height on the inner
side and dropping some 6 ft. [feet] on the exterior to
a narrow trench 19' wide from crest to crest. The entrance is on the
E. [East] some 9 ft. [feet] wide and passes over the trench
on unexcavated ground. On the S. [South] there is
a narrow passage from the trench, expanding
slightly to a circular hollow some 6 to 8 ft. [feet] in dia. [diameter] as it expands inward through the
rampart flanked on either side by a broad
mound or talus projecting out from the rampart
and bounded on the inside beyond the line
of the rampart by a mound 24 ft. [feet] long
and 14 ft. [feet] broad. A narrow passage slightly
higher than the level of the interior passes by
the end of this mound inwards. The counter:
:scarp in front of this excavated hollow
is not broken down nor is the trench intermitted.
Lying within the rampart on the N. [North] side of the
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[Continued from page 86]
is an oval mound 2 ft. [feet] in height measuring
superficially 18 ft. [feet] by 13 ft.[ feet] overgrown with grass.
8th Augt. [August] 1912
Applegarth Par. [Parish] Enclosure Ryecastle.
Situated on the crest of a low ridge some
? 374 ft. [feet] above sea level, and 1/4 m. [mile] E. [East] of Ryecastle
is an oval enclosure. It lies on the S. [South] side
of an old road running N E. [North East] from Perchhall
and is partially within and partially without a
large wood. With its longest axis N W. [North West] and S E. [South East]
it measures some 225ft. [feet] by 170 ftt. [feet] interiorly and
has been surrounded by a stony bank some
20ft. [feet] broad at base on the sides and crest
of which large blocks of stone are in places
exposed. The interior has been slightly
hollowed by excavation, On the N E. [North East] with an
intervening area is a bank some 15 ft. [feet]
in height overlooking a burn and from
the N. [North] face of the enclosure an outer bank
covered by a trench 20 ft. [feet] wide and 3 to 4 ft. [feet]
deep runs to it. Where it impinges on
the bank is a circular depression measur:
:ing 15ft. [feet] in diameter, sunk some 3 ft. [feet] below
the natural level and surrounded by a
broad mound on the face of which are
remains of walling. From this hollow a
channel increasing from 3 ft. [feet] to 5 ft. [feet] in width leads Eastward straight down
the bank to the edge of the burn taking
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[Continued from page 87]
a course too steep for a pathway. There is no
water channel into the hollow the periphery is
complete at a height of from 3 ft. [feet] to 5 ft. [feet] above
the present floor level, the steep gradient of the
channel seems to preclude the idea of the
construction having been a lime kiln.
It bears a resemblance to the hollow outside the
enclosure on the Pyatshaws Rig.
Enclosure Hangingshaw
On the W. [West] slope of a low round topped ridge
some 3/4 to the E. [East] of Hangingshaw is a
circular enclosure in an old pasture field
measuring about 100 ft. [feet] in diameter. It is
surrounded by a bank much spread out
by ploughing some 24 ft. [feet] broad at base
and not above 2 ft. [feet] in elevation. The entrance
has been from the West.
Standing Stone Hangingshaw
Within the hedge on the E [East] side of the road
from Lockerbie to Glasgow and some 200
yds [yards] N [north] of Hangingshaw is a pointed stone
deeply sunk in the ground, 2 ft. [feet] 5 ins [inches] in height
and about the same in breadth across the
front at ground level, somewhat square in section and narrowing to a ridge
as the apex. It appears to be an old
milestone.
Johnstone Graveyard
I examined this graveyard but found
nothing in it worth making a note of
[Continued on page 89] |
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[Page] 89
Johnstone Par. [Parish] Fort. Mote Cottage O.S. [Ordnance Survey] Mote
On the E. [East] bank of the Kinnell Water about 1/4 m. [mile]
E. [East] by S. [South] of the farm of Ross mains rises a
grassy hillock marked as a mote on the
O.S. [Ordnance Survey] Map. It is a natural gravel mound, lying
with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South] with an elevation
rising from 18 ft. [feet] at the N. [North] end to 26 ft. [feet] at the S. [South]
steeply sloped on the N. [North] and W. [West] and falling by an
easier gradient to its base on the S. [South] and E. [East].
The ground around is low-lying meadow land
and while at the present day the Kinnell Water
flows by some ? 150 yds [yards] to the Westward
an old channel marked by pools of stagnant
water lies at its base. The summit has been
surrounded by a bank of earth and stone
enclosing an area measuring some 100 ft. [feet]
by 40 ft. [feet] It slopes from W. [West] to E [East] as well as from
N. [North] to S. [South] and at no point has been levelled as
would be the case in a mote hill. At the
lowest point on the E. [East] side towards the N. [North]
end there is an entrance 8 ft. [feet] wide approached
up the slope from the base and on the right
of it against the bank there appears to be
an oblong foundation probably of turf at
the E. [East] end of which at a level some 5 ft. [feet] lower
is a circular hollow dug out of the face
of the bank measuring 11 ft. [feet] in diameter.
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[Continued from page 89]
on the highest point of the hillock in the line of
the enclosing bank is a small oblong
depression measuring superficially 7 ft [feet] 6 ins [inches]
by 5 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] and sunk some 2 ft. [feet] below the
surface, while on the E [East] edge also on the
line of the mound is another hollow which
may mark the site of a hut.
Lochmaben Par. 3 [circled] Fort Corncockle Plantation
This fort is situated in the S W [South West] angle of
Corncockle Plantation about 1/3 mile to the
Eastward of the village of Templeland. It is on
the Southern extremity of a ridge and
commands a considerable prospect to the
N W. [North West] up the valley of the Kinnell water and
Southwards down Annandale. In form it
is oval with its longest axis E. [East] and W. [West],
measuring 162 ft [feet] by 132 ft [feet] and is surrounded
by a massive rampart of earth & stone
some 3 to 4 ft. [feet] high on the interior with
a trench to the outside from 24 ft. [feet] to 28 ft. [feet]
wide, 8 ft. [feet] deep below the crest of
the rampart and from 2 ft. [feet] to 3 ft. [feet] deep
below that of the counterscarp. The entrance
has been from the E.[East] 8 ft. [feet] to 10 ft. [feet] wide
opening into an excavated hollow measuring
some 30 ft. [feet] by 26. [feet] The interior is overgrown
with heather, bracken and coarse grass so
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[Continued from page 90]
that the details are difficult to determine but
there are indications of excavated hollows as in
the Eskdale forts and within the N W. [North West] arc there
seems to be a large hut circle with a bank of
earth and stone. Along the crest of the
rampart there is the usual remains of stone
work.
Fort Gotterbie Moor.
Situated in a hollow on the E. [East] side of Gotterbie
Moor and about 1 mile E. [East] by S. [South] of the village
of Templand is a small oblong quasi rectangular
fort lying with its main axis N W. [North West] and S E. [South East]
the four sides of which measure respectively commencing with the
S W. [South West] 125 ft. [feet] 133 ft.[ feet] 139 ft [feet] and 124ft. [feet] It is surrounded
by a rampart 14 ft. [feet] in thickness at base apparently
of earth, on the face of which at various points
stones appear as if laid, and some 3 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] in
height above the natural level which is
that of the interior area, with a ditch in front
of it which has probably been wet and which
still holds water on the N E, [North East] S E, [South East] and part of
the S W. [South West] side. On the S E. [South East], where is
situated the entrance, this ditch measures
26 ft. [feet] in width from the crest of the rampart
to that of the low containing mound forming
the counterscarp and 19 ft. [feet] across at the surface level
of the water and on the three other sides 20 ft, [feet].
[Continued on page 92] |
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from crest to crest. The entrance is situated
34 ft. [feet] distant from the E. [East] angle is 10 ft. [feet] wide
and passes on level ground over the ditch
flanked on either side by the return of the
counterscarp mound to the main rampart.
At some 20 ft. [feet] out from the S. [South] angle and extending
divergently past the entrance is a deep irregularity
excavated hollow probably used as a quarry
and possibly for procuring material for the
walling of the fort.
9th Augt. [August] 1912.
Bicycled to the Hewk in the morning where I
met by appointment Mr. Murchie a youth of the
dsitrict greatly interested in its antiquities. The
day turned one of the wettest I have been out on
this year.
Hutton & Corrie Par. [Parish] Mote of Hutton
The Mote of Hutton is situated in an elevated,
and unusually exposed position for a Mote
hill, about 1/4 m [mile] S. [South] by E. [East] of nether Hutton and
at an elevation of 718 ft. [feet] over sea level.
It rises on the West from the edge of a deep
natural ravine the bottom of which lies some
30 ft. [feet] below the base of the hillock, to a hight
of about 23 ft. [feet] in form a truncated cone
constructed on a knoll of rock surrounded
at base by a trench which when cut through
higher ground on the [blank] measures some 28 ft. [feet] in
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[Continued from page 92
width at the level of the top of the counterscarp
and some 7 ft. [feet] in depth while on the lower side
where a mound contains the it on the outside
it has a width of about 10 ft. [feet] and a depth of
3 ft. [feet]. The summit is very uneven and the
surface has been considerably disturbed but
it appears to have been circular & to have had a diameter of some 24 ft. [feet].
The cincture of the trench is complete but from
it on the N E. [North East] a branch extends outwards for
some 28 ft. [feet] in a North Easterly direction thereafter
making a return for some 52 ft. [feet] towards the
S W. [South West]. The ear shaped area thus enclosed
has a mound above this trench and except at its Northern end another
along the side of the trench that encircles the mote leaving
between them a slight depression which seems
to have been an approach to the base of the
hillock whence the means of access rose to
the summit. The area is too small
to have formed a base point.
Applegarth Mid Hill
In the hollow which lies between the Mid Hil
and Two Tree Hill are a number of bughts
and other ancient enclosures. One of the
latter is a circular bowl shaped enclosure
hollowed out to a depth of about 4 ft. [feet] & surrounded
by a slight bank. A number of the turf
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runs around the base of Fir Tree Hill connected
in some cases with enclosures.
Applegarth Fort (15)
This fort is situated on a plateau on the Western
slope of Fir Tree Hill at an elevation of 740 ft. [feet] or
thereby above sea level. It is an oblong enclosure
lying with its longest axis N N W. [North North West] and S S E. [South South East] measuring
interiorly 154 ft. [feet] by 97 ft. [feet] surrounded by a rampart
of earth and stone rising some 4 ft. [feet] above the
interior level, with a trench beyond 26 ft. [feet] broad
3 ft. [feet] to 4 ft. [feet] deep below the crest of the scarp and with
a mound on the counterscarp which on the N E. [North East]
or higher side rises 7 ft. [feet] above the bottom of the
trench. The entrance has been from the E. [East] 5 ft. [feet]
in width where it passes through the inner
mound It presents a peculiar arrangement.
The mound which crowns the counterscarp as
it comes round from the N. [North] is returned across
the trench straight towards the opening through
the inner rampart and stops a few feet distant
from it leaving a passage into the trench to
the N. [North] as well as to the interior. The space
left between the return of of the mound where it leaves its regular curve and
the end of the outer mound at its continuance
is only some 2 ft. [feet] Above the fort some 50 ft. [feet]
back from the entrance a broad earthen
bank 16 ft. [feet] wide at base and 3 ft. [feet] high
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passes along the hill side and turns away in
a South Westerly direction. It is unusually
massive for a feal dyke but it is impossible
to say whether it is contemporaneous with the
fort though it is so with enclosures, obviously
folds, further to the N. [North]
? Fort Roseburrian
This enclosure is situated on a plateau
somewhat less than 1/4 mile to the S W. [South West] of the
last. The ground in front of it on the E. [East]
is level and marshy while on the S. [South] it is
also flat. To the N. [North] it falls away at a
steep gradient for some 60 ft. [feet] and to the
W. [West] declining gradually for about 40 yds. [yards]
it drops thereafter sharply to the bed of a burn
The enclosure appears to have been oblong
with rounded ends but the defences to
the N. [North] and N W. [North West] have entirely disappeared, if
any permanent rampart existed there, while
along the W. [West] side they are now very slight
along the S. [South] and E. [East] there exists a massive
mound of earth and stone with a
scarp to the exterior at a very regular height
of from 6 ft. [feet] to 8 ft. [feet] and rising from 2 ft. [feet] to 4 ft. [feet].
in height on the interior. Where the ground
rises towards the enclosure from the outside
it is cut through forming a trench. The
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entrance which has been wide is on the East
side somewhat to the N. [North] of the centre At
the base of the glacis leading up to it on the
exterior is an oblong hut foundation
apparently of turf
measuring interiorly 22 ft. [feet] by 11 ft. [feet] and in the
interior to the right of the entrance is another
similar foundation measuring 25 ft. [feet] by 16 ft. [feet]
no part of the interior appears to have been
hollowed by excavation.
10th & 11th Sat. [Saturday] & Sunday On both days much rain fell.
12th Aug [August] 1912
Applegarth Par [Parish] Fort Burrain Skelton
This fort is situated at an elevation of some 600 ft. [feet]
over sea level on the top of Cleuch heads Hill
& on the W. [West] side of Dryfe valley. It is overgrown
with a dense plantation of fir trees
which make a survey impossible. The O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map
shows it on plan to be a long oval with its
main axis N. [North] and S. [South] measuring some 380 ft. [feet] by 215 ft. [feet].
It is scarped apparently all round to a height of
from 6 ft. [feet] to 8 ft. [feet]. As far as observable it does not
appear to be hollowed by excavation in the
interior.
Carved Stone Berryscour Hutton Par. [Parish]
Forming the lintel of a cottage door facing the high road at the E. [East]
end of the hamlet of Berryscour is a slab
measuring 3 ft. [feet] 4 ins. [inches] in length by 1 ft [foot] 2 1/2 ins. [inches] in
depth. It is carved in relief as follows: in
the centre & occupying almost the entire depth by
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[Continued from page 96]
1ft. [foot] in breadth is a sheild charged with a lion
rampart within a bordure flory- counterflory,
the Royal Arms of Scotland: on the dexter side
a holly leaf and beyond it a saltire on the
sinister side at the extreme end in gothic
form the letters A. B. separated by a scroll
or reverse S. The top of the shield hidden
by the iron gutter at the edge of the cottage roof
is partly damaged on the sinister side This
stone is said to have been found in 1783 under
ground in the remains of an ancient building
at W. [West] side on the Black Esk in the
parish of Eskdale Muir and in that year
it was transported to Berryscour and used as
a lintel “D. Clapperton a local Antiquary
made a drawing of it which is preserved in
the library of the Society of Antiquaries of
Scotland. The Saltire and holly leaf
are respectively the arms and badge of
the Lords Maxwell; the letters A. B. are
probably the initials of a member of the
Beatty family, one of whom in 1532 was
King’s sergeant and officer in Eskdale. On
the map of 1590 the tower of Ally Battie is
marked at a place corresponding with Westside
and the O. S. [Ordnance Survey] marks a spot as “Sergeant Know”
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[Continued from page 97]
within two miles of it (The foregoing information
is supplied by Mr. R. B. Armstrong)
Fort Broomhillbank
This fort is situated at an elevation of 700 ft. [feet]
above sea level about 3/4 mile to the N.W. [North West] of
Shaw Farm and on the Eastern extremity of a
ridge which falls, sharply on the N. [North] to a burn
100 ft. [feet] beneath it and on the S. [South] declines by an easier
gradient in a South Easterly direction. In plan
it is pearshaped measuring from front to back or
W. [West] to E. [East] 172 ft. [feet] by 176 ft. [feet] across. Facing the W. [West]
is a bold rampart rising some 4 to 5 ft. [feet] above
the interior level and dropping on the exterior
7 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] to a trench infront 27 ft. [feet] wide from
crest to crest. The trench does not appear to
have been carried around the flank
where also the rampart is much slighter
but presents a scarp to the outside 8 ft. [feet]
in height. on the E. [East] 10 ft. [feet] on the S. [South] and less
above the steep ground on the N. [North]. The interior
is neither levelled nor hollowed but rises from
either side to a ridge crossing it from W. [West] to E. [East].
In front at the W. [West] end there is a semilinear
area with a depth of 50 ft. [feet] at centre enclosed by a broad mound meeting
the side of the fort on N W. [North West] and S E. [South East]. How much
of this outwork is original it is difficult to
determine but in part it is certainly secondary
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[Continued from page 98]
The main entrance to the fort proper is from
the W. [West] at a point where the ground commences to
decline to the N. [North] and it is significant that there
does not appear to be a corresponding gap in
the outer mound. At the point of junction of
the two mounds on the N. [North] the main rampart
shows distinct signs of having been cut back.
Enclosure Shaw
In the angle of the burn to the N E. [North East] of the last
and about 1/4 m.[mile] N. [North] by E. [East] of Shaw is an oblong
enclosure lying with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South]
four sided but not quite rectangular the sides
measuring respectively 76 ft. [feet] 122 ft. [feet] 60 ft. [feet] and 116 ft. [feet] .
In These are two entrance one in the N. [North] end and the
other in the W. [West]. In the S W. [South West] corner is a small
circular depression with a diameter of 10 ft. [feet]
possibly the site of a hut. The surrounding
bank of earth is some 12 ft. [feet] broad at base and
from 3'.6” to 4 ft. [feet] in height. A slight trench like
hollow in front on the N. [North] & E. [East] side is probably
due to excavation of material. This is
no doubt an ancient sheep fold and the
modern pens lie adjacent to it.
Hutton Corrie (3) Enclosure Shankend O.S. [Ordnance Survey]. Fort
This is a small circular enclosure meas:
:uring 100 ft. [feet] in diameter situated on a
plateau sheltered on the W. [West] and N. [North]
by using ground and with a steep slope
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[continued from page 99]
on the E. [East] to the margin of the [blank] Burn flowing
nearly 200 ft. [feet] below. The interior has been hollowed
by excavation to a depth of from 4 to 5 ft. [feet]
and surrounded by a slight stony rampart
or wall. The entrance has been from the South
into the lowest part of the interior area.
Wamphray Par. [Parish] Alais Knowe Enclosure Elbeckhill
This enclosure is situated on the S. [South] side of
the moorland road which leads from Berryscour
to Wamphray at an elevation of some ? 715 ft. [feet]
above sea level about 3/4 m.[mile] N. [North] by E. [East] of Hazelbank
farm. It occupies the summit of a knoll forming
the S. [South] end of a grassy ridge and is suboval
in plan the N. [North] end being considerably flattened
in its curve. The main axis is N. [North] by W. [West] and S. [South] by E. [East]
and the interior dimensions are 260 ft. [feet] by 270’ or
thereby. The knoll has an altitude of some 15 ft. [feet]
above a hollow on the W. [West] , tails away gradually
from the base of an 8 ft. [feet] scarp on the S. [South] and
drops for some 30 ft. [feet] to the bed of a burn on the
E. [East]. Only at the N. [North] end where the fort is faced by the con:
:tinuation of the ridge do its defences remain
and these consist of a rampart which slopes
away gradually from its crest on the interior
with a fall of some 20 ft. [feet] to the S. [South] end and
in front forms a scarp 6 ft. [feet] in height to a
trench 28 ft. [feet] to 33 ft. [feet] in width cut through rock
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[Continued from page 100]
With a counterscarp some 4 ft. [feet] in height. Around
the rest of the fort no rampart surmounts the
slopes and at the S. [South] end only for a short distance
towards the S W. [South West] is a trench cut through opposing
ground. The outline of the S. [South] end is very irregular
In the interior there are the foundations of three
rectangular enclosures with banks of earth &
stone evidently sheep folds and probably secondary
and also along the E. [East] side less definite remains
of smaller enclosures. The entrance is in
the centre of the S. [South] end and opens into an artificial
looking hollow some 30 ft. [feet] in length by 9 ft. [feet] in breadth.
There is a considerable view from the site over
the upper reaches of Annandale.
Stone Circle Kirkhill
Situated on the moor in an angle between two
feeders of a burn and 1/4 m. [mile] E S E. [East South East] of Kirkhill are
the remains of a stone circle consisting of
seven large blocks of whinstone not more than
18 ins. [inches] above ground and probably only two of
them now in their original upright position.
The stones are not large, the average length
being about 3 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches]. The diameter of the
circle has been approximately [blank[ and
a number of the stones have evidently been
removed. |
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[Page] 102
Wamphray Par. [Parish] Castle Knowe Saughtree
This is a fragmentary site situated by the side
of a farm road some [blank] yds. [yards] to the N. [North] of Saughtree
farm and consists of a knoll or slight
promontary measuring some 27 ft. [feet] across at base
and projecting some 17 ft. [feet] out from the face of
a steep bank with a trench around it some 16 to
18 ft. [feet] below the summit measuring some 12 ft. [feet] wide
at the level of the counterscarp some 3 ft. [feet] in height.
The construction appears to be of earth and stone
but is within a wood, overgrown with a forest
of nettles and no doubt has been considerably
interfered with by the roadway.
13 Augt. [August] 1912
Hutton and Corrie Stone Circle Whitcastle
Situated on open moorland at an elevation of
some ? 850 ft. [feet] over sea level and 1 mile to the
North West of Whitcastle farm is a stone
circle consisting of nine massive blocks of
for the most part whinstone boulders. All the
stones lie prostrate with the possible exception of one on the
Western arc the point of which protrudes
about 1 ft. [feet] 10 ins. [inches] above ground. The largest
blocks are on the N. [North] and S. [South] : the former a
roughly oblong mass measuring
7 ft. [feet] 4 ins. [inches] by 4 ft. [feet] 3 ins. [inches] by 2 ft. [feet] 10 ins. [inches] in thickness
and the latter a pointed boulder 7 ft. [feet] 1 in. [inch]
long by 3 ft. [feet] 9 ins. [inches] in greatest breadth and 2 ft. [feet] in
thickness. The diameter of the circle has
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[Continued from page 102]
been approximately [blank]: the individual stones
are irregularly placed those on the Eastern half
of the circle being more widely spaced than those on the
Western. I believe this circle to be within sight
of that on Whiteholm Rig (p. page 70) situated 3 1/4 ms. [miles]
to the S. [South] both also adjacent to the glen of the
Water of Milk through which runs one
of the principal roads to Eskdale.
Fort Whitcastle
This enclosure is situated adjacent to the
farm of Whitcastle at an elevation of 700
ft. [feet] over sea level. In plan it is circular
measuring some 175 ft. [feet] in diameter and has been
surrounded by a rampart of earth and stone
rising some 2 to 3 ft. [feet] on the inner side and
about 5 ft. [feet] on the exterior. In the centre there
has been a quarry and the rampart has
also been dug into to some extent. It is
doubtful if it has been encircled by a trench
though at one or two points on the circumference
a trench like hollow is observable. The con:
:struction lies within a wood and is thickly
overgrown with vegetation.
Tundergarth Fort Newland Hill
This fort is situated on the Western end of
the summit of Newland Hill at an
elevation of 1004 ft. [feet] over sea level commanding
a most extensive over Annandale to
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[Continued from 103]
the hills that girdle the horizon from Criffel
to Ettrick Pen. In form it is oval lying with its
main axis N N W. [North North West] and S S E. [South South East] measuring 225 ft. [feet] by
157 ft. [feet] and is surrounded by a stony rampart
formed in great measure of shivers of rock produced
by the excavation of the trench which lies at the
foot of it On the interior the rampart has a
height of some 3 ft. [feet] and is stony on its crest, a
condition due either to a pitching of rather
large stone or to the foundation of a parapet
wall. The trench measures some 30 ft. [feet] in width
from crest to crest and has a depth varying
from 7 ft. [feet] to 12 ft. [feet] below the crest of the scarp
and 3 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] or thereby below that of the
mound which forms the counterscarp. There
are two entrances into the interior both opening
on excavated hollows one from the N E. [North East] as far as ascertainable about
7 ft. [feet] wide and the other from the S W. [South West] of similar width. From
the right side of the latter on entering a
wall crosses the interior cutting off about
1/4 of the area behind the S. [South] arc. The interior
has not been levelled nor except perhaps in
front of the entrance has it been hollowed
by excavation: it inclines gradually towards
the E. [East] to an eminence apparently of rock.
To the left of the S W. [South West] entrance and 25 ft. [feet] distant
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[Continued from page 104]
distant from it in the end of the trench there
appears to be a wall. The trench, which broadens
out by the wall, contracts at 66 ft. [feet] beyond it where
the rampart is much more massive than else:
:where and the counterscarp has a height of
from 5 ft. [feet] to 6 ft. [feet].
The second fort on Newland Hill some 450 yds. [yards]
to the Eastward is adjacent to the actual summit
of the hill at an elevation of 1000 ft. [feet] over sea level.
It consists merely of a scarp some 6 ft. [feet] to 8 ft. [feet] in
height on the S W. [South West] quadrant of a circle with a
slight hollow at its base. There is no
indication that the construction has even been
proceeded with further as the fragment ter:
:minates apruptly and the rest of the supposed
periphery is not naturally protected.
Dryesdale Fort Raggiewhat
At the upper edge of a field some ? 300 yds. [yards]
E. [East] by S. [South] of Raggiewhat, and close by the side of
the road are the remains of a circular con:
:struction measuring some 76 ft. [feet] by 90 ft. [feet] surrounded by a mound
now 24 ft. [feet] wide at base rising
but little above the level of the interior and
scarped on the exterior to a height of from
2 ft. [feet] to 4 ft. [feet]. The rampart is much rounded
& has probably been under cultivation at one
time. |
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[Page] 106
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
14 th Augt. [August] 1912
Wamphray Standing Stone
In a field on the E. [East] side of the road from Lockerbie
to Wamphray and 1/2 mile S. [South] of Wamphray
Station stands a massive whinstone boulder 5’.7”
in height above ground, oval in section meas:
:uring in circumference at base 12 ft. [feet] 4 ins. [inches] and
set with its longest axis E. [East] and W. [West]. At 18 ft. [feet] distant
another boulder protrudes from the bank at
the roadside but without removal of the
soil heaped about it it is not possible to
conclude whether it has any relation to that in
the field. Should it, however, be found to be
deeply sunk & firmly embedded in the ground
it is possible that this is the remains of a
stone circle (Photo)
Fort Applegarth
This fort is situated an an elevation of 300
ft. [feet] over sea level about 1/2 m. [mile] W N W. [West North West] of Dalma:
:kethar farm on the crest of a long grassy,
roundbacked ridge which lies parallel with
the Annan on the E. [East] side of the dale and
commands an extensive prospect both up
and down. On the W. [West] the ground declines
steeply for some 30 ft. [feet] sinking thereafter by an
easier gradient to the river, to the N. [North] & S. [South] extends
the ridge running level for half a mile in the latter direction
and dipping to a lower level in the former, while
on the W. [West] the surface slopes downward by an
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[Continued from page 106]
easy gradient. The fort is oval
in form lying with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South]
and measures over all some 225 ft. [feet] by 175 ft. [feet].
It has been surrounded by a massive rampart
Now greatly reduced probably much spread
Measuring some 40 to 45 ft. [feet] in width on the
S. [South] and E. [East]. At the N. [North] end the mound covers
an area 52 ft. [feet] in breadth on the top of which
is a slight depression. But whether this is a
raised platform within the outer rampart or
a double rampart levelled down it is
not possible to tell without excavation. It
is unlikely however that the defences would
be duplicated towards the lower side of the
fort and not on the higher. The entrance
has been on the E. [East] side considerably to the
N. [North] of the centre. The extension of the mound
at the N. [North] end has reduced the interior
to somewhat of a shield form measuring
132 ft. [feet] from N. [North] to S. [South] by 93 ft. [feet] from E. [East] to W. [West].
An old road with locally, a Roman atribu:
:tion is said to pass near the entrance of
this fort and appears to have found a
place on the 25” O.S. [Ordnance Survey] Map. The fort itself
shows no features the least suggestive of
Roman Castrametation but I had to cut
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[Continued from page 107]
short a conversation with a local pundit of
considerable repute in his parish because I
expressed doubt on the subject. “If that forts no
Roman then I’ve lived my life in vain”! was
his last word.
Fort Dalmakethar
This fort is situated about 1/4 m.[mile] E. [East] by N. [North] of Dal:
:makethar farm in the north of the parish at
an elevation of nearly 400 ft. [feet] above sea level
and at the edge of a steep bank overhanging the
Dalmakethar Burn which flows by on the N. [North]
some 50 ft. [feet] below. To the E. [East] the ground rises by
an easy gradient to the skyline some three
or four hundred yards distant; to the S. [South] it
falls away trending Westward, while on the
West it has a rather steep declivity
for some 50 ft. [feet] to a hollow in
the cultivated land below. The interior area of
the fort is oval with its longest axis N N E. [North North East] and
S S W. [South South West] measuring 126 ft. [feet] by 98 ft. [feet] and entirely
surrounded by a rampart of earth and stone
From the edge of the ravine of the burn on the N E. [North East]
along the E. [East] side and the S. [South] end is a double
trench with an intervening rampart broadest
& deepest on the S. [South] and diverging from the central
enceinte as it passes Westward onto the face
of the steep slope. Thence it is said to have
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[Continued from page 108]
been continued obliquely to the edge of the ravine.
On the N E. [North East] arc adjacent to the ravine the inner
curve of the rampart is sharper than that of the
exterior leaving consequently a heavier mass
of material at this point. The inner trench on
the E. [East] has a breadth of 30 ft. [feet] and a depth of 4 ft. [feet]
and 5 ft. [feet] below the crests of scarp & counterscarp
respectively while on the South it measures 45 ft. [feet]
in breadth 9 ft. [feet] in depth below the scarp and 6 ft. [feet]
below the counterscarp. The outer trench is 23 ft. [feet] wide
on the E. [East] and of slight depth while on the S. [South] it has
a breadth of 34 ft. [feet] and depth of 6 ft. [feet] . The entrances
have been from the N N E. [North North East] and S S E. [South South East] from 4 to 5 ft. [feet] wide.
The former has been approached over a narrow space
flanked by the rampart & the edge of the ravine, the
latter directly through the defences. There appears
to be a spring in the outer trench at its S W. [South West] ter:
:mination before passing down the slope in the
cultivated land.
Fort Dalmakether (2)
This fort is situated on the neck of a low promontory which
projects out into the dale near the base of Longerhollis
Hill and about 1/2 m. [mile] S S E. [South South East] of Dalmakethar. On
the N. [North] it overlooks the deep ravine of a burn
and on the S. [South] and W. [West] it is protected by steep
natural slopes. It is now situated within a young
plantation and the only defences traceable are
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[Continued from page 109]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
an outer trench 28 ft. [feet] wide and 5 ft. [feet] and 3 ft. [feet]
deep below the crests of scarp and counterscarp
respectively, running from the edge of the ravine
across the neck with a convex outline to the E. [East].
A rampart some 5 ft. [feet] in height: a slighter mound
40 ft. [feet] rear of it and separated by a shallow
trench 17 ft. [feet] in width another low mound. The
two inner mounds are very slight and
noticeable only towards the edge of the ravine.
Armorial Stone Dinwoodie Mains.
Built into the front of the porch of Dinwoodie
Mains farm house is a panel containing in
the centre a shield surrounded by strap
work enrichment bearing in chief two
mullets with a human head inverted suspended
by a “woodie” or rope of withies passed through
the moults. Above are the initials R. M. and
beneath the date 1631. The stone, I was in:
:formed came from Dinwoodie Castle which
formerly stood near this spot.
Enclosure Dinwoodie (2)
This is an oval enclosure situated on
The E. [East] side of the valley at an elevation
of some ? 370 ft. [feet] above sea level and about
1/4 m.[mile] E N E. [East North East] of Dinwoodie railway station.
It lies with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South] and
measures from crest to crest 134 ft. [feet] by 97 ft. [feet]
and has been surrounded by a stony bank
[Continued on page 111] |
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[Page] 111
[continued from page 110]
scarcely perceptible on the upper E. [East] side
and with an elevation of about 2 ft. [feet] on the West.
The interior has been hollowed by excavation
and lies at a level of some 2 ft. [feet] below that of
the surrounding ground.The entrance has
been from the W. [West] some 6 ft. [feet] wide and opens
on the lowest part of the interior. The site
commands a considerable prospect over
Annandale. It rests on a deep lynn to
the S.[South]
Johnston (6) Kirkhill Cottage
This cottage in an angle between two roads about
1 mile to the North of Johnston Church apparently
occupies the site of a fort of which a small portion
of a rampt [rampart] remains on the North.
Tumulus Johnston Par [Parish]
This so called tumulus lies at the edge of low
boggy moorland some 1/2 mile S E. [South East] of Williamson
It is a low heap of exposed stones lying N N W. [North North West] &
S S E. [South South East] and measuring 16 ft. [feet] by 6 ft.[feet]. It is very difficult
to say what it signifies.
Hoddon Par [Parish] Ecclefechan Churchyard
Set against the wall of the churchyard in the
N E. [North East] corner and forming with the side of a
shed a recess for the gravediggers tools is a
slab of red sandstone 5'-9'' in length by 1'-11'' in
breadth on which is deeply incised an inscription
in large capitals in one line of which I can
only decipher the two first words although
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[Continued from page 111]
[Opposite page sketch/drawing of grave slab & photograph inserted - Stone built into burial vault in Middlebie Churchyard]
the letters are quite plain. HEAR LE'TH
ELDAVD OVTOIO DAVIS. 1621
Middlebie Pennershaugh's Graveyard.
On the N. [North] side of Pennershaughs graveyard
situated on the Carlisle road about 1 mile
to the E. [East] of Ecclefechan, there lies close to the
edge of a steep bank a grave slab 6'-3'' in
length by 1 ft. [foot] 6 ins.[inches] in breadth, slightly diminishing
to the foot, and 9 ins [inches] in thickness, on the
top of which is incised a double armed cross
1ft [foot] 1 ins. [inches] in length crossed horizontally by arms 5 in. [inch] and
4 ins. [inches] in length: and in the centre of the stone a
plough share and pruning hook. The stone
bears no date nor inscription.
Birrens Roman Fort ? Fort Stockbridgehill
The description of this must be abridged
from the account of the excavations.
Situated on the open moorland about ½ m. [mile] to the W. [West] side
of the Darlawhill Grain and 3/4 m. [mile] E N E.[East North East] of Stock:
:bridge hill is a small oblong
enclosure lying with its longest axis E. [East] by N. [North]
and W. [West] by S.[South] measuring some 126 ft. [feet] by 106 ft. [feet]
surrounded by a slight mound formed
from the upcast of a narrow and shallow
trench measuring some 18 ft.[feet] in breadth and
not more than 3 ft. [feet] in depth below the scarp and
2 ft. [feet] below the counterscarp. The line of the
scarp is not very regular and along the E. [East] side
[Continued on page 113] |
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[Continued from page 112]
it is now very ill defined. The angles are rather
rectangular; the interior is not level there being
a fall of some 5 ft. [feet] from the highest point
near the centre to the edge of the trench on the
E. [East]. The entrance has been from the West
somewhat to the S. [South] of the centre measuring
from 8 to 9 ft. [feet] in width.
Returning from Stockbridgehill by a very steep
road, climbed an equally steep one to Birrens:
:wark where I met T. The account of the
forts here must be adapted from that in
the Proceedings. The remains are as im:
:portant and so numerous that I must go
back to the hill and go over them in a
more leisurly manner.
16' Augt. [August] 1912
Tundergarth Craighousestead Hill
This fort occupies the summit of Craighouse:
:steads Hill at an altitude of 850 ft. [feet] over sea level.
The hill lies in the midst of an undulating
expanse of round grassy hills furrowed
by the glens of numerous burns flowing down
towards Annandale. The only lowland prospect
into the dale is down the valley of the Water
of Milk which flows by at the base of the hill on
the W. [West]. The fort is oval on plan lying with its
longest axis N [North] by W [West] and S [South] by E. [East] measuring
185 ft. [feet] by 155 ft. [feet] surrounded by a rampart
[Continued on page 114] |
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[Continued from page 113]
seemingly surmounted by a wall now overgrown
with grass, The rampart is low on the inner side
but presents a scarp to the exterior varying from
4 ft. [feet] to 6 ft. [feet] in height. Where the ground outside
has risen toward the fort it has been cut through
by a trench and on the S E. [South East] such a cutting is through
rock. The entrance has been from the West at the
lowest point of the enceinte but the rampart on
either side has been too much worn down to
admit of approximate measurement.
Forts Newhall Hill
Two forts lie on the summit of Newhall Hill
an eminence which rises to a height of 888 ft.[feet]
over sea level and occupies an important
strategic position at the divergence of two
passes the one by the head waters of the Milk
into upper Eskdale and the other via Wauchopedale
into Langholm. The forts lie within 40 ft. [feet] of each
other the one on the actual summit of the hill
with a view in all directions and the other
The upper fort is oval in form lying across
the strike of the hill with its longest axis
E [East] and W. [West] measuring 198 ft. [feet] by 160 ft. [feet]. It is sur:
:rounded by a rampart 22 ft. [feet] wide at base
formed of the splintered rock and earth,
the trench which lies in front. with a mound
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[Continued from 114]
above the counterscarp. The rampart rises but
slightly on the interior and shows the usual
indication of stone work on its crest and where
the stones are exposed on the South arc a
number of them appear to be inserted not on
the bed but on end. the scarp of the mound
has a general height of some 5 ft. [feet] the trench is
22 ft. [feet] wide and at deepest 4 ft. [feet] deep below the
crest of the counterscarp but on the N W. [North West] is
barely discernible. There are two entrances one
from the E. [East] and the other from the S W. [South West] each
some 9 to 10 ft. [feet] in width. The interior is not
level but rises towards a point on the N. [North] im:
:mediately behind the defences and is generally
uneven over the surface. To the E [East] of the
highest point at the back of the ram:
:part there is an indication of a foundation
seemingly oval but too indefinite for measur:
:ment. The trench has in places been cut
through rock.
The lower fort at the nearest point of the
counterscarp of its trench is only some 40 ft. [feet]
distant and though of similar character
to its neighbour is at all points more formidable.
On plan it is oblong with each side slightly
convex, lying with its longest axis N E. [North East] & S W. [South West]
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[Continued from page 115]
measuring 215 ft. [feet] by 183 ft. [feet]. Its defences consist
of a massive rampart and a trench without,
varying in width from 25 ft. [feet] to 30 ft. [feet] and of an
average depth of 6 ft. [feet] below the crest of the scarp
and of 4 ft. [feet] below that of the counterscarp except
on the S E. [South East] to the N. [North] of the entrance where it is almost
eliminated. The interior has to some extent been
excavated giving prominence to the rampart
which from a height of 5 ft. [feet] to 6 ft. [feet] at its crest
merges gradually into the slope of the interior
area. The entrance which faces the S E. [South East] measures
8 ft. [feet] in width and opens on an excavated
hollow running back some distance into
the interior. The rampart is formed of the
splintered rock from the trench and shows
the same indication of stone work on the
crest as that of the adjacent fort though the
greater part of the stone work has probably
been torn out to supply material for an old
wall that crosses the hilltop. At one point
on the S. [South] where the turf has been broken by
sheep there is a suggestion of stone pitching
on the front but excavation is really necessary
to demonstrate the fact. Both forts overlook
that above Crawthat Cottage to the S E. [South East] and hold
in view to the Northward the forts on Craig:
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:housesteads and at Witcastle.
Tundergarth Fort Dalbate
On the summit of the eminence which rises to the
N W. [North West] of the hamlet of Dalbate and overlooking the
road from Lockerbie to Langholm are the remains
of an oval fort lying with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South]
and measuring about 170 ft. [feet] by 115 ft. [feet]. From the
fort the ground declined steeply all around
but especially so on the N E. [North East] in which direction
the defences were probably slighter and have
now consequently disappeared while towards
the S. [South] there is a gap of some 70 ft. [feet] in the periphery.
A rampart of earth and stone has contained the
enceinte rising but little above the interior
level but with a scarp some 5 ft. [feet] to 6 ft. [feet] in
height. There are indications of stone work
on the crest and where a break has been made
by sheep there is a suggestion of stone pitching.
A large natural mound some 6 ft. [feet] in elevation
rises in the centre of the enceinte.
Middlebie Par [Parish] Fort Birrens Hill Carruthers
This fort is situated on the crest of a ridge
at an elevation of 800 ft. [feet] over sea level
overlooking to Eastward the valley of the
Kirtle Water, to Southward the ten miles of
cultivated land that stretches to the Solway,
and to Westward rolling uplands with the
table-like mass of Birrenswark Hill dominating
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[Continued from page 117]
the horizon. To the N. [North] the ridge inclines by an
easy gradient to the summit of Grange Fell a
mile distant. The fort is oblong and approximately
rectangular with rounded angles, lying with its
main axis [blank] measuring [blank] in length by
[blank] in breadth through the centre, and con:
:taining an area of [blank]. The S E. [South East]
side appears to me to be curved somewhat and
there seemed likewise to be a considerable con:
:vexity on the N E. [North East] flank, but these features can
only be definitely determined from the plan
which I have instructed Mr. McGibbon to make.
The angles are rounded with a sweeping curve.
A bold rampart surrounds the interior area
rising some 3 to 4 ft. [feet] in elevation on the inner
face, covered by a trench no longer measureable on the N E. [North East] some 29 ft. [feet] in width
from crest to crest along the N W. [North West] and S W. [South West] sides
and 25 ft. [feet] on the S E. [South East] having a fairly uniform
depth of from 7 to 8 ft. [feet] below the crest of the scarp
and of about 4 ft. [feet] below that of the counterscarp
the scarps being smooth and sharply cut. The profiles
are considerably impaired along
the N E. [North East] and S E. [South East] sides by secondary construc:
:tions and on the latter side also by excavations.
To the N. [North] angle there stretch across the moorland
two broad parallel mounds some 10 ft. [feet] apart
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[Continued from page 118]
and with a height of a couple of feet or thereby having
a slighter parallel mound on the N W. [North West]. This
last is carried across the trench of the fort, up the
scarp and along the crest of the rampart curving
inwards towards the position of the entrance as it approaches
the S E. [South East] end. The central mound of the three
terminates on the counterscarp of the trench, while
the third is continued along the N E. [North East] flank at the
base of the rampart almost entirely filling
the trench,which has probably been shallower on
this side and onward beyond the end of the
fort terminating with a right angled return
to the Westward. Immediately within the position
of the entrance there is traceable the end of which
has been destroyed by quarrying, and beyond
the trench on the S W. [South West] there is another rectangular
foundation and a ? triangular fold-like enclosure.
In front of the position of the entrance is a
hollow and there are several other
smaller depressions adjacent from which
stone appears to have been quarried.
From these constructions and excavations two
parallel mounds some [blank] ft. [Feet] apart trend away from the fort
in a Southerly direction. The hollows in
front of the position suggest an
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[Continued from page 119]
analogy with the rectangular fort on Gotterbie
Moor (p [page] 91) where deep quarry like holes passed
across the front of the entrance. The position of
these holes at Gotterbie sunk directly on the level and not
into the face of the rising ground adjacent is
peculiar. With regard to those at the Carruthers
fort though some appeared undoubtedly to be
excavations for stone, a hollow running down
from the front was rather like a natural ravine
crossed by a bank near the fort so as to form
an enclosure within it.
"Druid" Stone Torbreck hill
On the West side of the Muir Water adjacent to
a ford amd some. 300 yds. [yards] W. [West] of Old Torbeck hill
the O. S. [Ordnance Survey] marks a "Druid" Stone. Being a little doubt:
:ful about its character I sought an aged shepherd
making hay in a field not far off the road side.
Alas I got but small satisfaction "Ye're ower
late my man, the boys at the Upper Annan
Waterworks have got him." Large waterworks
are in course of construction in the vicinity
for which stones are required and this "Druid
Stone" like many another proved too tempting
a prey for the navies.
Fort Minsca
Late in the evening in soaking rain I reached
this fort and made such notes & observatons
as I could under disadvantageous conditions
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[Continued from page 120]
Situated in a meadow surrounded on three
sides by woodlands and separated by a deep
glen from the farm of Minsca to the S E. [South East]
are the remains of a fort. In form it is
circular measuring some 205 ft. [feet] in diameter.
Only on the Southern semicircle are the defences
preserved to any extent and consist of an
inner mound some 3 ft. [feet] in height above the
interior level, a trench some 30 ft. [feet] in width
with a scarp some 7'.8 ft. [feet] in height and were
highest a counterscarp of 5 ft. [feet]. On the N W. [North West] quadrant
the periphery is almost affaced and on the N. [North]
only the scarp from the summit level exists.
There has been an entrance from
the N E. [North East] and to the S. [South] of it the rampart makes
a bend outwards for some 15 ft. [feet]. On the S. [South] a
roadway leads into the trench flanked by a mound on either side, that on the left
continued along the counterscarp while that
on the right runs out across the trench where
there is an alteration in the general level of
the floor. The meaning of this roadway is
not apparent but it may have lead by the
trench to an entrance through the part of the defence
now demolished.
Hut circles Tinwall
On the moorland close by the hill road from
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[Continued from page 121]
Minsca to Linnhall, near the Back Burn and almost
3/4 ms. [miles] S. [South] of the latter place three hut circles with
low banks of earth or turf. one measuring 30 ft. [feet]
by 28 ft. [feet] interiorly, the
second some 60 yds. [yards] further down the burn 26 ft. [feet]
and the third some 30 yds. [yards] away from the last 24 ft. [feet]
Opposite the second on the other side of the
road is an oblong flat topped mound with
an elevation of about 2 ft. [feet] evidently the ruins
of a clay on turf hut.
The weather is as bad as it can be and
I had a very wet ride home on my bicycle
not getting home till 1/4 to 8.0. I have
hardly done any motoring since I came
here & ride on an average 20 miles a day
on my bicycle.
20 Augt. [August] 1912.
Lochmaben Woodycastle
Occupying the summit of an eminence in
cultivated land about 1 m. [mile] to the N W. [North West] of Lochmaben
and 100 yds [yards] or thereby to the W. [West] of the farm of
Lochbank is the fort of Woodycastle. In form
it is approximately circular measuring some
212 ft. [feet] in diameter from crest to crest and is
surrounded by a massive rampart of earth
or stone rising some 3 to 4 ft [feet] in height above
the interior level and steeply scarped to a
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height of from 7 ft. [feet[ to 12 ft. [feet] with a trench in
front measuring 47 ft. [feet] in width from crest to
crest on the N. [North] and W. [West] and gradually flattening
to a terrace 25ft. [feet] broad as it passes from S [South] to E [East]
in which direction the ground declines somewhat
sharply from the fort. The depth of the trench
is now some 3 to 4 ft. [feet] below the rounded
crest of the counterscarp which is
under cultivation. Running concentrically with
the trench from the N. [North] round to the S. [South] is a
broad gravelly mound measuring some 60 to
70 ft. [feet] across and with an elevation at highest
of about 6 ft. [feet] above the bottom of the trench
which to some extent at least has probably been
a natural formation. The entrance some 10 ft. [feet]
wide is up a ramp from the East. The
interior is fairly level. On the S E. [South East] the outer edge
of the terrace there stands on end a weathered
boulder of Contomerate of 3ft. [feet] 5 ins. [inches] in height
above ground and 10 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] in circumference.
The site is strongly defended on the South by
two small lochs, the Upper Loch and the Mill
Loch and adjacent marshy ground while
except towards the N. [North] there is a sharp declivity
from the edge of the terrace and of the outer
mound, and commands a considerable
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prospect up and down Annandale
Tinwald Tumulus Broomrig
At the bottom of a field in low lying ground some
350 yds. [yards] to the S W [South West] of Broomrig is a gravelly knoll
sparsely covered with vegetation marked tumulus
on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey]. It has a diameter of 54 ft. [feet] and an
elevation of about 4 ft. [feet]. I am not certain of its
sepulchral character.
Fort Pinnacle
This fort is situated about 100 yds [yards] to the S. [South] of the summit of Pinnacle
Hill which attains an altitude of 687 ft. [feet] above
sea level and commands a most extensive
prospect over Annandale from the W. [West] side of
the dale. It is in an imperfect condition
and is somewhat oblong in form with a
diagonal axis N [North] and S. [South] straight on the N E [North East] and
S W. [South West] sides and slightly curving on the S E. [South East]
The N W. [North West] end of the enclosure is represented by
a broad mound of earth which crosses the
ridge and passes down the hillside to the
N E. [North East]. On the other three sides there are the
remains of a rampart and trench. best pre:
:served on the S E. [South East] where the former has an
elevation of some 3 ft. [feet] on the inner face & 5 ft. [feet]
on the outer and the trench a width of 26ft. [feet]
and depth of some 3 ft. [feet] below the counterscarp.
For a considerable space in the middle of the S W. [South West]
side the defences have disappeared. The dimensions
[Continued on page 125] |
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[continued from page 124]
[Opposite page sketch inserted]
of the interior are about 160 ft [feet] from N W. [North West] to S E. [South East] and 150 ft [feet]
from N E. [North East] to S W. [South West]. The entrance has been from the S. [South]
towards the West end of the S E. [South East] side
Fort Whitehill Hightown Hill
On the N [North] end of the Whitehill, an eminence which
rises from a region of hillocks dominated by
Hightown Hill with an altitude of 818 ft. [feet] and about
1/4 m. [mile] to the S E. [South East] of it is the site of a defensive en:
:closure on a plateau recognisable by a
low rampart curving across the brow of
the hill towards the N. [North] but I failed to trace
the oval indicated on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] plan by any other
artificial works. The position I located must be
checked on the 6 ins. [inches] map.
Trailflat Churchyard
Towards the W. [West] end of the burial ground are
a number of table stones commemorating various
generations of Patersons in Skipmyre, the family
of the founder of the Bank of England. One of
these dated 1694 shows a well cut inscription
in relief surrounded by a vine border with bunches
of grapes. This is the earliest use of this
motive I have met with.
Lochmaben "Peel."
Situated at the Northern end of the narrow
strip of land which separates the [blank] Loch
from the Castle Loch at Lochmaben and
directly in rear of the town to the S. [South] is a
prominent hillock formed from the termination
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[Continued from page 125]
of a ridge by a deep and wide cutting athwart
it. The summit of the mound is oval lying
with its main axis N [North] and S. [South] and measures
[blank] ft. [feet] in length by [blank] ft. [feet] in breadth. It has been steeply
scarped all round with an elevation varying
from 18 ft. [feet] at the S [South] end. to 24 ft. [feet] on the E [East] and
22 ft. [feet] at the side of the cutting on the N. [North] and
has been surrounded by a ditch probably
wet, some [blank] ft. [feet] in width where the counter-
-scarp remains on the N. [North] and S. W. [South West] and [blank] ft. [feet]
in depth Towards the E. [East] at an elevation some
8 ft. [feet] below the summit level the slope of the
scarp is broken by a shoulder or terrace
From the S S E [South South East] a gangway across the ditch
and the lowering of the gradient of the scarp above
it shows the line of a roadway to the summit
entering on the western half of the oval
which has been slightly hollowed and lies at
a level some 5 ft. [feet] below that of the Eastern
is broken by a shoulder or terrace
From the S S E. [South South East] a gangway crosses the ditch
and the lowering of the gradient of the scarp above
it shows the line of a roadway to the summit
half. On the crest of the scarp on the N N W. [North North West] there
rests a heavy bastion like mound which appears
to some extent to be composed of rubble
to which mortar is adhering: elsewhere
there is no trace of a parapet mound. To the
E [East] of this mound for a distance of some 80 ft [feet]
the scarp lies at an easier gradient as if there
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[Continued from page 126]
had beeen some demolition at this point. At the
base of the hillock on the East and South there
passes a roadway the construction of which
has caused the destruction of the ditch in these
directions. I have instructed McGibbon
to make a plan & sections of this "mote" and
there must be a published account of its
history. There are various references to its
construction in George Nutsons "Peel: what is it?"
The weather still continues wet & unsettled.
It has been the worst summer for many a year.
22nd Augt [August] 1912
Kirkmichael Enclosure Cars Wood
In the heart of the Cars Wood, 1/4 m. [mile] to the N E. [North East] of
Gillrig and on low lying ground is a
circular enclosure, a disc of low elevation
with a diameter of some 120 ft. [feet] surrounded by
a single rampart apparently of earth and stone
some 14 ft. [feet] broad at base, rising but little
above the level of the interior and with at most
a height of 3 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] above the floor of a slight
trench in front of it.
Johnstone (7) Fort over Garrel
There is nothing here recognisable as the site
of a fort except a few stones at the base of
a slope which may have been in a wall or rampart.
Johnstone Par. [Parish] Fort (5) Tanners Lynn Roehills
This is a small semi-oval fort, the oval
bisected obliquely and in its periphery exclusive
of the chord presenting four distinct facets
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[Continued from page 127]
of varying dimensions. It rests on the edge of the
precipitous left bank of the Mollin Burn
flowing through a wooded lynn some 50 ft. [feet] below.
The main axis of the oval if complete would have been
North and South and the base of the fort
lies from N E. [North East] to S W. [South West] measuring 93 ft. [feet] in the latter direction
from crest to crest, with a bisectional diameter of 60 ft. [feet].
The defences consist of an inner rampart of earth
and stone, a deep regularly formed concentric trench
and an outer rampart. The inner mound has an
elevation of some 5 ft. [feet] above the position of the interior
directly behind it and has scarp of 7 to 8 ft. [feet] in
height above the floor of the trench at
the highest point and along the N E [North East] arc only some
3 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] the trench from crest to crest measures
30 ft. [feet], except on the N E. [North East] face where it measures 25 ft. [feet]
and has a depth below the counterscarp of 7 ft. [feet]
where deepest near the centre of the curve on the
N. [North] and diminishes in depth towards the edge
of the ravine at either end. At either extremity
the outer rampart has a height of from 5 ft [feet] to 6 ft. [feet]
on the exterior where the ground level declines
to the edge of the ravine. There is much stone
at places in the interior, especially at the N E. [North East]
end but no distinct foundation is traceable.
The entrance has probably been from the
N E. [North East] past the end of the rampart and flanked
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[Continued from page 128]
by the precipitous side of the lynn an arrangement
frequently observed in this class of fort. From the
West there is a slight filling of the trench to form
a gangway to the interior and thence Southward
to the edge of the ravine the inner rampart has
an elevation some 253 ft [feet] lower than to Northward,
it is doubtful however if this is original as
there is no break in the continuity of the outer
mound as it passes it.
This fort may be compared with a number of
others in Wigtown. Maculloch's Castle, &c. in Kirk:
:cudbright and Bogle Walls in Eskdale in this
county. Beside their situation on the edge of a
steep bank or ravine, and the semi-oval or
semi-circular form they are usually character:
;ised by the depth of their enclosing ditch and
boldness of their rampart.
Fort Mollins (4)
This fort is situated on the crest of a ridge
at an elevation of [blank] over sea level and
about 1/2 m, [mile] N. [North] by E. [East] of the farm of Mollins
It appears to have been an oval enclosure
with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South] measuring
interiorly 156 ft. [feet] by 140 ft. [feet] divided by a cross
rampart or wall in such a way as to cut
off a semi-lunar segment amounting to about 1/3 of the
interior area at the N. [North] end. The whole en:
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:closure has been surrounded by a stony rampart
now of low elevation and completely eradicated for a
distance of some 80 or 90 ft. [feet] on the S E. [South East]
Enclosure Crunzierton Wood
Situated on a shelf on the steeply sloping ground
within the Cunzierton Wood in the policies of Rae:
:hills a short distance E [East] by N. [North] of the gamekeepers
cottage is a circular enclosure measuring 102 ft. [feet]
in diameter surrounded by a wall or stony
mound now of low elevation and some 13 ft. [feet] in
thickness. The interior has been hollowed by
excavation on the upper side to a depth of
from 3 to 4 ft. [feet] and is completely overlooked
by the rising ground to the West of it. There is
a wet which is probably a spring at the West
end and there is an indication of a cross
wall cutting off a segment towards the N. [North] as
in the last mentioned enclosure. It lies at
an elevation of 600 ft. [feet] over sea level and some
30 to 40 ft. [feet] above the road which passes along
the base of the slope. In its position
it bears a strong resemblance to the hollowed
enclosure in Eskdale.
Enclosure Duff Kinnel Bank Raehills
This fort is situated on a level plateau on the
Western slope of the valley of the Kinnel Water
about 1/2 m. [mile] N N W. [North North West] of Raehills House at an elevation
of (?) 600 ft. [feet] over sea level and some 30 ft. [feet] above
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[Continued from page 130]
the roadway. It is a circular construction
measuring interiorly some 114 ft. [feet] in diameter
and has been surrounded by a massive wall or
rampart of stones, now structureless measuring at
most 19 ft. [feet] across and 5 ft. [feet] in height Towards
the edge of the slop to the roadway the mound of stone
is much more massive than on the opposite
side of the enceinte which is overlooked by the
slope rising steeply above it, nor is there any indica:
:tion that the defence has originally been so
great on this side. The entrance from the SE [South East] is clearly
defined and measures 7 ft. [feet] in width.
Enclosure Duff Kinnel Bank Raehills
Higher up just on the brow of the hill and
some 200 yds. [yards] distant from the last is an
oval construction lying with its longest axis
N [North] and S. [South] and measuring 130 ft. [feet] by 111 ft. [feet] also
surrounded by a ruined wall or stony rampart of much
slighter dimensions however than that of the
last enclosure measuring some 9 ft. [feet] over all.
About 1/3 of the interior area at the S. [South] end has
been cut off by a cross wall, and there are
indications of hollowing by excavation.
The wall of a later construction probably enclosing
a wood now blown down, is partially superimposed
At the fort in Cunzieston Wood I met
the gamekeeper, Renwick by name, who was
much puzzled by my behaviour! As he knew
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[Opposite page] *I am not quite sure that this cairn is marked
as I had not my 1" map for the spot with me.
Its position must be checked when I am in
that region again.
of a mysterious mass of stones far out on the moor
for which no one could offer an explanation I
suggested that he should take me to it. We accordingly
took the car as far as possible & thence proceeded by
foot across the moor.
Tumulus - Kirkpatrick Juxta [unnoted)
On Ingleston Moor on the W. [West] side of Broadshaw Rig
at an elevation of between 8 & 900 ft. [feet] over sea
level is a small cairn with a diameter of some
12ft. [feet].
Long Cairn - Stiddrig
Situated on the march between the moors of
Stiddrig and Ingleston at an elevation of
nearly 900 ft. [feet] over sea level and slightly more than
*a mile to the SW. [South West] of Stiddrig is a long cairn
It lies with its main axis N by W [North by West] and S by E. [South by East] measuring
91 ft. [feet] in extreme length, 61 ft. [feet] in breadth at the S. [South] end
and 29 at the N. [North] and rising in elevation towards the
former direction with a greatest altitude of 6 ft. [feet].
At the S. [South] end for some 10 ft [feet] the stones have
been removed from above the present ground
level leaving a mere foundation exposed. There
is no indication of the previous existence of a
frontal semicircle nor do any large blocks
appear in the outline of the cairn. From
the North end and to either side at the
opposite extremity there project short lengths
of wall evidently erected by shepherds to
[Continued on page 133] |
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[Page] 133
[Continued from page 132]
provide shelter for their sheep, and beacons have
been erected on the summit. There is no sign of
any attempt at excavation.
Some 60 ft. [feet] to the Westward is a small circular
cairn measuring some 24 ft [feet] in diameter and
some 3 ft. [feet] in height evidently unexcavated.
Hut Circle
On the moor about 100 yds [yards] to the S W. [South West] is the foundation
of a hut circle consisting of a ring of boulders
projecting little above the ground level some 5 ft. [feet]
in breadth and enclosing an area measuring 31 ft. [feet] in diameter.
The position of the entrance is not apparent.
Johnstone No. 8 Enclosure Edgemoor
This enclosure is situated by the edge of the
steep East bank of the Kirtle Water about
1/2 m. [mile] to the South West of the farm of Edgemoor
It has been oval in form lying with its longest
axis E by N [East by North] and W by S [West by South] measuring 150 ft. [feet] by 130 ft. [feet]
or thereby. Its N W [North West] arc has been destroyed in
the formation of a road and the rest of its
defence has been greatly pillaged for stones.
It has been surrounded by a massive stone
wall of which only a small section some
40 ft. [feet] in length remains on the N W. [North West] adjacent to the
hedge bounding the road. The large blocks
which have formed the lower course on the
outer face still remain in situ indicating a
breadth for the wall of some 10 ft. [feet]. The interior
[Continued on page 134] |
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[Page] 134
[Continued from page 133]
lower by 2 or 3 ft. [feet] than the surrounding ground
and is now wet and overgrown with rushes.
The entrance has been from the East: now some
12 ft [feet] wide and one large stone sunk firmly
in the ground in an upright position still stands
in situ on the N. [North] side. - This has been a fine day at last
& I was out in a car until 7.0 p.m.
22nd Augt. [August] 1912
Tinwald Par. [Parish] Fort Barros Hill
Train to Shieldhill with J. & S. taking our bicycles.
Crowning the highest point of the summit of
Barros Hill, a prominent height which rises to an
altitude of 713 ft.[feet] over sea level, about 1 1/2 m. [miles] to the
N N E [North North East] of Tinwald Church is a well preserved
fort.
The hill
The hill rises by a steep gradient from
all sides except the S [South], where below the actual
summit the slope upwards is long & gradual,
while the summit tends away to E. [East] and W. [West] in irregular hillocks & hollows
commanding a most extensive panorama
over Nithsdale, the upper reaches of Annan:
:dale and across the hills that bound the
Western side of the latter dale, to
where the table topped Birrinswark swells
up on the horizon on the SE. [South East] The fort is
oval in form lying with its longest axis
N E [North East] and S W [South West] measuring across the interior
area 274 ft. [feet] by 210 ft.[feet] and has been surrounded
by a parapet mound now only discernible a
few inches in height on the N. [North]; a steep scarp
with an average height of 10 ft. [feet] all around
[Continued on page 135] |
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[Page] 135
[Continued from page 134]
giving on a trench varying in breadth from 37
ft. [feet] between crest of scarp & counterscarp on the W. [West]
to 29 ft. [feet] at the N E [North East], flat bottomed with a
breadth at floor level of some 12 ft, [feet] and at deepest
3'.6" in depth below the crest of the counterscarp;
and, with an intervening
mound, an outer concentric trench measuring
25 ft. [feet] from crest to crest, 12 ft. [feet] across its flat floor,
and at most 6 ft. [feet] in depth below the crest of
the scarp and 3 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] below that of the
counterscarp. This outer trench is however
less regular in its continuance than the
inner one and where the ground has fall-n
away sharply from the base of the scarp of
the intermediate mound it has probably been
discontinued. A hedge crosses the interior
from N E [North East] to S W. [South West] and on the S E. [South East] half of the
periphery the defences have been much more
destroyed by the action of the plough than
on the other. The entrance has been from
the E. [East] 10 ft [feet] wide carried directly over the
outer defences and into the interior by a
roadway sunk as much as 5 ft [feet] below
the level on either side as it passes over
the scarp. There has been a considerable
amount of rock cutting in the formation
[Continued on page 136] |
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|
check line 2 - unsure of second word in brackets - it is not the usual 'photos'
5 lines from bottom - last word is not clear, but it is 'Lawes' in the 'Seventh Report with Inventory of Monuments and Constructions in the County of Dumfries' (1920). |
| gb0551ms-36-46-136 |
[Page] 136
[Continued from page 135]
of the fort and the ramparts are formed of earth
& stone, the upcrest of the trenches. (Plan & secs. [sections])
This is the first fort with more than a single
trench that I have met with for months.
Tinwald Churchyard
Some 35 ft. [feet] to the N. [North] of Tinwald church lies a
a table stone of red sandstone 5ft. [feet] 10 ins. [inches] in
length by 3ft. [feet] in breadth Inscribed
Here lyes the corps of John
Corbet who dyed the 17 of
March 1706 and of his age
63 years who was taken
in the year 1684 by a parti
of Claverhous his troupe
and was banished by the
wicked counsell of Scotland
to East Jarsey 1685 and
returned in the year 1687
and at right angles to the foregoing :-
This ston let speake when speech is from me gone
How God me liedd when I was far from home
Banisht I was for Covenanted cause
And none complyance with their wicked Lawes
God whom I servd made me there firme to stand
Brought back again unto my native land
My sober walke in each place of aboad
Made me belovd of all that loved God |
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| gb0551ms-36-46-137 |
|
line 10 - missing shield charge is 'fess' (see the 'Seventh Report with Inventory of Monuments and Constructions in the County of Dumfries' (1920)).
line 14 - missing distance is 130 yards (see the 'Seventh Report with Inventory of Monuments and Constructions in the County of Dumfries' (1920)). |
| gb0551ms-36-46-137 |
[Page] 137
[Continued from paage 136]
gainst all assaults from first unto the last
Asisted me I gott not a wrong cast
His precious truth fragrant tho was to me
From first to last as I live soe I dy
Once more Il live, and never dy again
And sing his praise in a triumphant strain.
On the N. [North] wall of the burial enclosure of the
family of Charteris of Amisfield is a panel dated
1618 bearing a shield charged with a [blank]
On the dexter side the letters 2 I C on sinister
D M F.
[Sketch inserted here]
Mote Tinwald.
Situated on gently rising ground some [blank] yds. [yards]
to the S. [South] of the parish church of Tinwald with
an extensive prospect over Nithsdale stands
the mote of Tinwald. A truncated cone, some
9 to 10 ft. [feet] in elevation with an oval summit
measuring 62 ft. [feet] by 36 ft [feet]. The slope of the mound
is by no means steep and the whole con:
:struction has probably been reduced by culti:
:vation. It is probably a natural gravel hillock
the levelled summit being the only really
significant feature remaining.
Torthorwald
Garrs Hill Site.
Around the summit of the Garrs Hill
some 3/4 m. [mile] W N W. [West North West] of the parish church is the
[Continued on page 138] |
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[Page] 138
[Continued from page 137]
[Opposite page sketches inserted]
QVI:BID MLD JSTVMG FTL [refer to original page for characters]
faintly discernible outline of a low rampart
containing an oval enceinte.
Torthorwald Church
Set into the outer face of the West wall of the vestry
is a slab of red sandstone imperfect at one end and reduced
along the sides measg [measuring] 5'.4" by 1'.5" on which is carved in relief
a floriated cross from which the base has
been broken off. On the sinister side of the
cross shaft is a double edged sword with a segmented pom:
:mell and depressed quillons surmounted of a
shield bearing a saltire and a chief
On the dexter side of the cross is part of an in:
:scription the first portion of which I venture to
translate "Who died 1450 " The latter part so far is
beyond me. I procured from the minister, Mr
Campbell, a table and pair of steps from which
I tried to obtain a photograph but the light was
bad and the result will probably be unsatisfactory
Built into the North side of the vestry is a small
stone inscribed with the letters W M H [M is above the line of W H] and the date
1644. It probably commemorates a minister
whose name may be found in Scott's "Fasti Ecclesiae"
Camp Hill Torthorwald
The Camp Hill is a commanding eminence
that rises to an altitude of 612 ft. [feet] above sea
level to the N E. [North East] of Torthorwald from which a
most extensive view is obtained over Nithsdale.
Its upper eminence has been converted into a
[Continued on page 138] |
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[Page] 139
[Continued from page 138]
fort with probably a double rampart and inter:
:vening ditch supplemented over a projecting
shoulder to the West by an additional rampart,
but from long cultivation the defences are now
low and inconspicuous. The enceinte appears
to have been an ellipse measuring some 400 ft. [feet]
by 350 ft [feet]. (O. S. [Ordnance Survey] measurement)
The Minister & his wife were most kind in
giving us tea in the manse garden before we
took the road homeward. At the manse there
'Deid Bell'
is preserved the parish "deid " bell inscribed
simply with the name Torthorwald and the
date 1746. The bell in the church belfry bears
a date and inscription but Mr. Campbell
believes the former is subsequent to 1707.
Torthorwald Castle is an interesting fragment
largely by reason of the formidable character
of its ditches & outworks.
22nd Aug. [August]
Another hopelessly wet day - rain falling in :
: cessantly till 5:0p.m. Fortunately I had enough
notes to write up to keep me busy all day.
23rd Augt. [August] 1912.
Car to the foot of Glenae thence on foot up the
glen to Craigshiels.
Kirkmichael Par. [Parish]
Small cairns & Hut circle Craigshiels.
From the bottom of the glen of the Water of
Ae to E [East] and W. [West] steep banks tower upwards
for some 300 ft. [feet] to broad stretches of moorland
[Continued on page 139] |
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[Page] 140
[Continued from page 139]
[Opposite page sketch inserted (C-shaped hut circle, Craigshiels)]
reaching up to the watershed by easier gradients.
Here at the top of the left bank about 1/2 m. [mile] to the E [East] and
N E. [North East] of the shepherd's house at Craigshiels and
between the elevations of 800 and 900 ft. [feet] over sea
level are a number of small cairns of low
elevation and measuring in diameter from
12 to 15 feet. About 100 yds [yards] to the S. [South] of Young's
Burn and within the group are the remains
of what appears to have been a hut circle
as it seems now somewhat in the shape
of a letter C with an opening to the S W. [South West] and
measuring interiorly 15 ft. [feet] by 9 ft [feet]. The bank
which has surrounded it has been composed
large of boulders but with lose [loose] stones on the
surface the outline is not very definite.
Within 50 ft. [feet] of it to the N [North] & W. [West] lie two or three
small cairns, while further up Young's Burn
to the E. [East] several more may be seen.
Gibbs Corse Martyr's Stone
I steered my course over a featureless moor
by compass to the spot on the East side
of the Watershed where this object is marked,
but though I searched for some time round
about the only stone I could find was a
boulder in the bottom of a bowl shaped
hollow on which were cut some initials.
Nothing of the nature of a monument could I
[Continued on page 141] |
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[Page] 141
[Continued from page 140]
discover. The stone is marked on the map
as lying about 1/2 m. [mile] N E. [North East] of the summit of Kirk
Hill on the E [East] side of the Watershed and to the N. [North]
of the Clachanbirnie Burn where it commences
to flow in a South Easterly direction.
Keeping the crest of the moorland I struck
Southward over the shoulder of the Kirk Hill
thence over the top of Brownmoor Hill till I
looked down into the glen of the Glenkill
Burn
Small Cairns Knockespen
On the East of Knockespen and on the some:
:what steep flank of the hill where rises
the stream that flows down Tuppark Linn
there lie a considerable number of small
cairns at an elevation of from 800 to 900 ft. [feet]
above sea level. They vary from
12 ft [feet] in diameter to nearly 20 ft. [feet] and some of
them have an elevation of from 2 to 3 ft. [feet].
It is noteworthy that these cairns do not
extend onto the more level stretch of
moorland that commences below the 800
ft. [feet] level but with singular regularity affect
an elevation of 800 to 900 ft. [feet] over sea level.
I must have done nearly eight miles of
good rough walking before I rejoined
J. & S. at the car & got my lunch. |
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[Page] 142
Kirkmichael Churchyard
There are a number of old tombstones in this
churchyard, some dating from the end of the
17th century but mostly overgrown with grass
& moss rendering them illegible. Lying some
25 ft. [feet] out from the S [South] side of the church is a
table stone elaborately carved around the edge.
At the head lying across the stone to each
corner from the centre are two cherubs the one
holding a crown in his hand and the other
what appears to have been a bone. on each side
is a figure with a human head surmounting
a [blank] of fruits & flowers. At the base
an open book occupies the centre and a cherub's
head each angle. The fronts of the six supporting
pillars are carved with cherub's heads along the
sides and skeletons at the head. The stone
bears the following inscription
Here lyes Marie Menzies spouse to Mr Patrick
Hume Minister of Kirkmichael who dyed
the 11th of May 1702 and of her age the 34th year.
Mowrne passenger with me Mowrne
Here awhile alas my Maries gone
Yet weeping soule rouse up thyself
And sound aloud her praise
Yow'le find she was [apron:]
such of her dayes. |
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| gb0551ms-36-46-143 |
[Page] 143
Fort Kirkmichael Fell
Situated on a plateau on the Southern slope
of Kirkmichael Fell at an elevation of some
? 650 feet over sea level is a fort approximately
circular measuring interiorly 231 ft. [feet] by 219 ft. [feet]
surrounded by a single rampart rising at
most some 3 ft. [feet] above the interior but with a
steep scarp to the outside having an average
height of 6 ft. [feet]. Below the scarp is a slight
trench measuring from crest to crest some
21 ft. [feet] across. The rampart measures some 9 ft. [feet]
across the top. The entrance appears to have
been from the S W. [South West] where beside it a portion of the
rampart has been broken down disclosing
a foundation or core of boulders.
Sax Corses
I visited the small hillock apparently of
peat with trees growing on it that seems to
bear this name on my map but observed
no memorials of any kind. I must make
enquiries about this name.
Wallace's House. Kirklandhill Burrance Bridge
The fort that bears this name is situated
on the Eastern slope of Kirkland Hill about
one mile to the W N W. [West North West] of Burrance Bridge
and at an elevation of
It is a remarkable example of a promontary
fort and is situated on a tongue of elevated
ground between two ravines meeting at its
point where they open onto a large glen.
[Continued on page 144] |
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[Page] 144
[Continued from page 143]
Down the ravines flow, some 40 to 50 ft. [feet] below
the level of the fort, two burns which after their
confluence rush down the deeply wooded glen
to join the Garrel Burn a quarter of a mile away.
The fort has a triangular enceinte its base
being formed on the West by a massive rampart
and covering trench of unusual width and
depth its sides by the edges of the ravines.
The rampart takes a slightly curving
line from bank to bank across the promontary
rising steeply on the interior to a height of
8 ft. [feet] and scarped at an angle of 40o to the
floor of the trench in front. The trench, which
has no doubt been formed from natural
hollows falling away to the banks on either
side, has been deepened and fashioned
so that at the centre whence it declines
with increasing depth to N. [North] and S. [South] it has
a depth of some 15 ft. [feet] below the crest of the
scarp and some 12 ft. [feet] below that of the
counterscarp. Where at this central point
it is also narrowest, it has a breadth of
50 ft. [feet] and as it declines the edge
of the counter scarp recedes in an irregular
manner suggesting its natural formation.
From the higher ground to the West a hollow
leads down into the central point of the
[Continued on page 145] |
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[Page] 145
[Continued from page 144]
trench also probably a natural feature utilised
as a road & from the end of it a narrow track
leads obliquely across the scarp and
past the end of the rampart into the
interior. Directly behind the rampart at its
highest point are the foundations some 4 ft. [feet] broad of an oblong
structure with rounded angles, formed of earth
and boulders measuring interiorly 25 ft. [feet] by 13 ft. [feet]
with an entrance in the East wall. The sides
of the fort do not seem to have borne any ram:
:part above the steep banks, the sides of both
ravines opposite being also very steep. The
interior from the base of the rampart to the
point, bisectionally measures 180 ft. [feet]
while the base behind the rampart
has a length of 150 ft. [feet] where it is comparatively
level and to the extreme edge of the steepest
slope on the N. [North] side 180 ft [feet]. The sides of the
glens are all richly wooded with Oak
and birch and over the tree tops the
fort looks out across Annandale and
a great extent of rich champaign.
Garvald Church
On our way to Wallace's House we had
a look through the old churchyard but
found no stones worth noting for the
Inventory One showed a genealogical
record, however, in a tabulated form new to
[Continued on page 146] |
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| gb0551ms-36-46-146 |
[Page] 146
[Continued from page 145]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
me. Opposite the names of the spouses at
one side was a table spaced in columns headed
Born, Married, Died, Number of issue. male female. The first man
whose name appeared on the stone was born, I think
in 1675 and died about 1745. The record had
not been carried on through many generations.
It was 7.o'clock before we got home luckily
quite dry though the sky was overcast all day.
25th Aug. [August] 1912
Finished writing up notes preparatory to
going away for 15 days to preside at a board
interviewing candidates for labour exchange
or posts for the Civil Service Commission.
I go to Glasgow tonight, then Edinburgh & lastly
Newcastle.
10" Sept. [September] 1912
Returned from Newcastle - on - Tyne and
joined the family at Moffat.
11" Sept. [September] 1912
Kirkpatrick - juxta Churchyard
In the S E. [South East] corner of the churchyard at
Kirkpatrick - juxta is an upright tombstone
carved on the front with the figure of a man
in a skirted coat holding upright in his
right hand a smith's hammer set upon an
anvil and in his left a horse-shoe. Above the
hammer is a crown and over the man's
left shoulder a skull. The stone is inscribed
on the back ''Here lies John Imrie who died
at Thistlieholm 6" March 1746 aged 40 years.
[Continued on page 147] |
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[Page] 147
Continued from page 146]
Some 40 feet to the S. [South] of the West end of the church
is an upright gravestone along the upper end
of which are carved the figures of four children
in a row holding each others' hands, while
beneath is a crowned hammer and the
couplet "By hammer in hand
All acts do stand"
One of the upper corners of the stone has been
broken off destroying the figure of one of the children.
Wamphray "Mote" Wamphray Place
In the angle formed by the junction of the
Leithenhall burn with the Wamphray Water
a number of low artificial banks and
foundations of rectangular structures mark
the site of Wamphray Place. The site is
a rectangular plateau flanked on the
E [East] and S. [South] by the deep glens of the two streams
which flow by some 40' to 50 ft. [feet] below. At the
edge of the Eastern glen overlooking the Leithen:
:hall burn there rises to a height varying
from 11 to 13 feet a mound of clay and
pebbles, flat on the summit and steeply
scarped all round evidently the remains
of a mote hill. From the actual edge of
the bank by some secondary operation it
has been cut back for a distance of some
10 feet at base and correspondingly upwards,
[Continued on page 148] |
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| gb0551ms-36-46-148 |
[Page] 148
[Continued from page 147]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
so that the summit now forms a little more
than a semicircle with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South]
measuring 32 ft [feet] by 20 ft. [feet]. To N. [North] and S. [South] a
trench cuts off the respective ends of the ridge
on which the Mote has been constructed
On the W. [West] the foundations of an oblong rectangular
building of late date have obliterated all in:
:dications of a trench that may previously
have existed in this direction.
An ancient sundial from Wamphray
Place bearing the initials of the last Johnston
laird and his wife Rollo is said to be
preserved at Ericstane House.
Wamphray Church Sculptural Stones
Built into the wall of the church above the
doorway is a panel 4'.2'' in length divided
into two oblong compartments each surrounded
by a rope moulding. The smaller of the
two compartments towards the N. [North] contains a
circular foliaceous design with fleur de lys
projecting from it into the angles while the
larger compartment contains a dragonesque
creature whose body breaks away in numerous
spirals. (This stone is illustrated & described
in the Early Christ. Mons. [Christian Monuments])
Some 65 ft. [feet] to the W S W. [West South West] of the S W. [South West]
angle of the church is a tomb commemotating
[continued on page 149] |
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[Page]] 149
[Continued from page 150]
[Oppostie page photograph inserted]
Margaret Halladay spouse to William Ferguson
w ? 1740 aged 30. on the front but now half
concealed by the soil into which the stone has sunk
is carved a female figure with a "Mutch" like
bonnet on her head [sketch inserted here] a frill round the
neck of her stomacher and sleeves extending
only to the elbow (photo)
A slab set against the E. [East] side of a railed in burial
enclosure belonging to a family of the name
of Carruthers some 50 South of the East end of
the church, bears on the front in the centre
a shield charged with a saltire, in chief
two cushions tasselled, in base a heart
beneath, the date 1697. Along
one side & the top is inscribed the inscription
"Evine this our anchents have us told
that ve our burial place should hold
in me." and on the back of the stone,
with the first word mutilated, is the further
inscription... all ye christians vho doe live
and one the earthe in sin doe move
beg pardon from every one so long as
time may not be gone the word of
God hath bene reveald of old to prophets
and they have us told now time is gone
and shall no mor eternity is thee
[Continued on page 150] |
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| gb0551ms-36-46-150 |
[Page] 150
[Continued from page 149]
[Opposite page photograph inserted]
befor what man is that livethe hear
and unto death wil not compear"
Near the centre of the South end of the
churchyard is an upright slab treated on
the front architecturally with ? fluted pilasters
supporting an architrave and pediment. In
the centre standing on a skull is a male human
figure holding in his right hand an open
book. inscribed Psalm xxvi Verse 48:
beneath the book are the hour glass and
cross bones. The inscription on the back
reads "Here lyes John Burges son to John
Burges in Townfoot of Dinwoodie who died
Feb. [February] the 16 1742 Aged 28 years.
Earthwork Laverhay.
This earthwork situated on the moorland
about 1/2 m. [mile] to the N. [North] of Laverhay seems to
be the turf dyke of an old enclosure of
some considerable extent and not defensive.
It is significant that within it the ground
is devoid of heather which luxuriates
all round. Along the N. [North] side there
is an outer bank running down from
the N E [North East] corner some 15 feet out rather
slighter. I fancy it has formed with the
inner mound a bught or pen. |
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[Page] 151
Encosure Leithenhall
Somewhat less than 1/4 mile North by East of the
farm of Leithenhall and on the Southern end
of a ridge looking down Annandale are the
remains of a circuar enclosure which has
suffered greatly from the action of the plough.
It appears to have been surrounded by a
single rampart now merely a slight swelling
on the surface and has been hollowed by
excavation in the interior to a depth of some
4 to 5 feet on the North or higher side and
about 2 ft. [feet] on the lower. It appears to have
been approximately circular measuring
interiorly 170 ft. [feet] by 159 ft. [feet].
About 1/4 mile due North of the last and
now entirely planted over with trees are the
remains of a similar enclosure which has
likewise been considerably dug out in the
interior. Though not now measurable it is
shown on the 25" O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map as an oval
surrounded by a single rampart and
measuring 150 ft. [feet] by 112 ft. [feet].
Fort Dundoran
In the North end of Dundoran Plantation which
crowns the Southern termination of the long
hog backed ridge of Dundoran are the re:
:mains of an elliptical fort at an elevation of
800 ft. [feet] over sea level, now represented by
[Continued on page 152] |
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| gb0551ms-36-46-152 |
[Page] 152
[Continued from page 151]
two segmental ramparts seemingly concentric
crossing the crest of the ridge at the N. [North] end with
a trench in front of the outer rampart. The two
ramparts which are some 64 feet apart appear to
be composed of small angular fragments of
stone: the inner has an elevation of about 4 ft. [feet]
and the outer on the inner side 5 ft. [feet] and from
the bottom of the trench in front 6 ft. [feet]. The trench
which has been to some extent cut through
rock, measures 28 ft. [feet] in width at the centre
and gradually diminishes as it passes to
either side. The fort is shown on the 25''
O. S. [Ordnance Survey] map as an ellipse measuring some
260 ft. [feet] by 185 ft. [feet] but except as noted above its
outline has almost disappeared. The site
is very defensible and commands a most
extensive view over Annandale.
Standing Stone Newbigging
On the East side of the road from Wamphray Church to Moffat half a mile to the North
of the farm of Newbigging there lies prostrate
a standing stone of the native whin 6'.3 ins [inches]
in length. 2 ft. [feet] 8 ins [inches] in breadth at base
and tapering to a point
Standing Stone Poldean
In a low lying meadow on the West side
of the road and some 200 yds [yards] South of
Poldean farm is a standing stone of whin
[Continued on page 153] |
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[Continued from page 152]
4 ft. [feet] 7 ins. [inches] in height above ground and triangular
in section. This stone is said to have been
erected to mark the spot where Prince
Charlie's troops bivouacked on their march
into England in the '45.
13th Sept. [September] 1912
K'patrick [Kirkpatrick] Juxta.
This fort rests on the edge of a precipitous
bank which with a height of from 60 to 80 feet
forms the S. [South] side of the woody dell down
which there flows the [blank] burn forming
the boundary between the parishes of Kirk:
:patrick Juxta and Moffat. Its elevation
is some 650 ft. [feet] above sea level. The region
in which it is situated is one of billowy
ridges and hillocks dropping gradually
to the valley of the Annan the fort itself
occupying a small level plateau separated
on the W. [West] and S. [South] West from rapidly mounting
heights by a steepish declivity. The enceinte
is an irregular semicircle surrunded
except along the edge of the ravine by a
massive grass grown but stony mound
the elevation of which is increased on the
inside by the excavation of the ground
in rear of it giving it a height of some
4 ft. [feet] while on the exterior it appears to
[Continued on page 154] |
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[Continued from page 153]
have been raised some 4 to 5 feet attaining
to a height of some 6 to 7 feet above the bottom
of the natural hollow. On the W. [West] towards the
edge of the glen where the foreground has been
higher the rampart has been covered by a
trench with an artificial mound forming the counterscarp
The interior has a chord of 164 ft. [feet] and a
bisectional diameter of 135 ft. [feet]. Some 2/3 distant
around the periphery from the W. [West] end. and
facing the S E. [South East] there is a well defined entrance
some 6 to 7 ft. wide carried up from the
trenchlike hollow in front and passing by
a covered way into the interior flanked on
the W. [West] by a slight inward return of the
rampart on that side. It opens into the
lowest part of the interior into a somewhat
circular area some 40 ft. [feet] in diameter
with higher ground around it. Against
the edge of the bank at the back of the
enceinte are the remains of a rude circular
enclosure measuring interiorly some 16 ft. [feet]
by 15 ft. [feet] surrounded by a wall some 2 ft. [feet]
in thickness formed of rather small stones
and probably secondary. Just beyond
the rampart towards the S W. [South West] there appears
to be a spring. Note This enclosure
[Continued on page 155] |
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[Continued from page 154]
bears a strong resemblance to those in Eskdale.
Fort Gardenholm.
On the lower side of the road from Moffat to Edinburgh
and 150 yds. [yards] or thereby to the North of the glen that
runs down to the farm of Gardenholm are the
remains of fort sub oval in form with its longest
axis E [East] and W. [West] and measuring interiorly 154 ft. [feet]
by 147 ft. [feet]. It occupies a spur known as the Camp Knowe projecting from
the W. [West] wall of the Annan valley and lies at
an alltitude of 700 feet over sea level and 300
feet above the bottom of the valley. The road
has obliterated whatever defences may have
formerly existed towards the higher ground
on the West and around the rest of the
periphery a low stony mound is only just
recognisable. The interior has not been levelled
but rises towards the East overlooking the
valley to a height of 5 or 6 ft. [feet] above the floor
level to the West where there has been consider:
:able hollowing by excavation. On the N W. [North West]
a hollow in rear of the rampart suggests
the site of a hut and there are one or two
similarly suggestive hollows on the
sites of the higher ground. The entrance
appears to have been from the N. [North
Fort Gardenholm Plantation
This fort is situated close to the road on
the S. [South] side of the Gardenholm Plantation
[Continued on page 156] |
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[Continued from page 155]
about 2 miles N N W [North North West] of Moffat. It lies within a
blown down plantation covered with a perfect
forest of brackens broken over and matted together
wirh the storms of the past summer so that a
survey of it is quite impossible. The 25'' O. S. [Ordnance Survey]
Map shows it to be a circular enclosure with
a diameter of 160 ft. [feet] surrounded by a single
rampart.
14th Sept [September] 1912
Fort Hillhead K' [Kirkmichael] Juxta Par. [Parish]
This fort situated 1/2 mile to the N. [North] of Hillhead occupies an eminence at an
elevation of 850 feet or thereby over sea level
on the West side of a ravine which separates
it from the adjacent Park Hill, and commands
an extensive view over the surrounding hill
country and down Annandale. Its defences
consisting of a single story rampart rising
at most some 2 ft. [feet] above the interior level
and a trench in front where it crosses the summit to the S. [South] 15 ft. [feet] wide from crest
to crest enclose an oval area somewhat
pointed to the northward, with its longest
axis N. [North] and S. [South] measuring some 238 ft. [feet] by
195 ft. [feet]. Some 91 ft. [feet] from the N. [North] end a hollow
way leads up into the interior from the West
side some 8 ft. [feet] in breadth where it passes
through the defences, flanked on the North by a wall
which has passed inwards towards the centre
of the area whence it appears to have made
[Continued on page 157] |
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[Continued from page 156]
a return Southwards but being thickly overgrown
with turf it is difficult to follow to its conclusion.
The rampart has a width at base of some 15
feet and rises some 7 feet above the bottom
of the trench: it shows on its crest an indication
of stone work and the trench is partially cut
through rock. There is a gap in the
rampart on the East side almost opposite to
that on the West, but it is probably secondary:
there is also a break from the S E. [South East] at the
S. [South] end which from the discontinuance of
the trench in front appears to be original.
Fort Park Hill
On the East flank of Park Hill at an elevation
of 800 ft. [feet] over sea level there lies on a bench
of the hill side overlooking the vale of the Annan
the remains of a circular or oval enclosure
now consisting of a rampart in form of
a horseshoe which has enclosed the N [North] end
It is stony and rises some 4 ft. [feet] to 5 ft. [feet] on the inner
side and 3 ft. [feet] to 4 ft. [feet] on the outer face above
the bottom of a trench much destroyed by
ploughing The chord between the ends of
the rampart measures 83 ft. [feet] and the bisectional
diameter 72 ft. [feet]. The interior appears to have
been hollowed to some extent by excavation. |
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[Page] 158
Enclosure Boreland
This enclosure lies about 1/2 mile to the South
of Hillhead on the East slope of the Kinnel
valley at an elevation of 600 ft. [feet] above sea
level commanded by rising ground to the
West and with a somewhat steep declivity to:
:wards the Kinnel water on the east. In form
it is oval lying with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South]
and measures interiorly 170 ft. [feet] by 147 ft. [feet] and
has been surrounded by a stony mound
rising some 2 ft. [feet] to 3 ft. [feet] on the exterior and
dipping some 4 to 5 ft. [feet] to the floor level which
has been artficially lowered in the interior.
There is the usual stony outcrop on the crest
of the mound.
Johnston Par [Parish]
Lochwood Mote
This Mote commonly called "The Mount"
is situated in a wood of aged Oak trees.
and just to the North of the ruins of
Lochwood Castle and looks out to the
Eastward over the plain of Upper Annandale.
It is formed from a natural hillock
crowning a rising slope from the East
and mounting from a hollow on the
West. From the latter direction it has a
vertical elevation of some 22 ft. [feet] but from
its base on the E [East] along which runs the
roadway it rises to a height of 44 ft. [feet] or thereby.
[Continued on page 159] |
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[Continued from page 158]
[Opposite page]]
On the N. [North] the hillock does not slope directly
to its base from the parapet of the lower terrace
but presents a narrow bench crowned
at its edge with a rampart from which there
is a scarp some 5 to 6 ft. [feet] in height to the
lowest level. To the Eastward this bench gradually
merges with the narrow terrace above it and
to Westward it slopes away to a lower level
leaving the rampart extending onwards in
that direction and containing within it an
area too low lying to have formed a base court.
Two terraces encircle it, the upper one on the
West side at some 10 ft. [feet] below the summit level
dipping on the longer Western slope to 20 ft. [feet]
and the lower one varying from 8 ft. [feet] to 10 ft. [feet]
further down. On the East side and round by the
North both terraces show a parapet and
on the S. [South] the lower takes a trench like aspect
with a bold rampart cutting it off from the
ground beyond on which the later
Castle has stood. From the level of the lower
terrace on the N. [North] there is a steep scarp some
7 ft. [feet] in height to a meadow below and crowning
this, parapet with the mound on the edge of
the terrace, there is a rampart which is
carried Westward beyond the mote round
the low hollow which in former times may
possibly have contained water. at the N E. [North East]
the inner mound terminates and the
terrace broadens to a platform along which the outer mound has been continued. Towards
the S E. [South East] the upper terrace forms a salient
angle and directly below it there is a gap
which has probably been anentrance, through
the outer mound some 7 ft. [feet] in width towards
which what may have been a roadway between two parallel
mounds may be seen approaching directly
to it on the opposite side of the present road.
[Continued on page 160] |
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[Page] 160
[Continued from page 159]
Westward from this supposed approach
and facing the S. [South] there is a space 12 ft. [feet] to
14 ft. [feet] in breadth reaching downward from the edge
of the summit interrupting the upper terrace
and scarped at a flatter angle than the rest
of the mound, up the West side of which there
is a distinct suggestion of a track which makes
a sharp turn to the Eastward at the highest
level before entering onto the summit at its S E. [South East]
point. On the East side of this space stretching
from the summit to the trench like hollow
of the lower terrace there is visible a stony artificial
ridge. The summit is oval measuring super:
:ficially some 24 ft. [feet] by 16 ft. [feet] and has been
hollowed to a depth of some 18 inches with a
wall formed in part of natural rock left around
the edge.
Mound behind Lochwood Castle
To the S. [South] of Lochwood Tower lies
a green level meadow probably the garden
and near its centre there rises an artificial
looking earthen mound surrounded by four ancient gean trees some 9 ft.[feet] in height
with a diameter at base of 36 to 40 ft. [feet], fallen away
somewhat towards the East, and measuring
across its level circular summit some 10 ft. [feet]
Around its base is a shallow trench with
a width of 12 ft. [feet]. This mound in character
[Continued on page 161] |
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[Page] 161
[Continued from page 160]
and situation bears a resemblance to that which
rises from the centre of the garden at Logan in
Galloway, similarly within sight of the old castle.
Were they gallows mounds or were they connected
with some gardening fancy of the 16th or 17th century.
K. [Kirkmichael] Juxta ? Mote Newfarm
This is an irregularly circular hillock within
a wood situated some 400 yds. [yards] N [North] by W. [West] of Newfarm.
It is said to have borne the name of the Mote known
for generations but no sign whatever of
artificial shaping or construction is visible
upon it. There is an irregular trench like hollow
at its base on the West side but it is not
believed to be the remains of a defensive work.
Fort Rigfoot
This fort is situated in old pasture
land about 1/4 m. [mile] to the Westward of Rigfoot
cottage on the road from Carlisle to Moffat.
It occupies the greater part of a well defined
oblong hillock reaching to the edge of the
slope on either flank and crossing the
brow where the ground commences to
fall away to the Eastward. The plough has
greatly levelled the defences which appear to
have consisted of a single rampart with a
hollow in rear of it enclosing an oval area
measuring some 158 ft. [feet] by 130 ft. [feet] in diameter.
The rampart is now only a slight swelling on the surface |
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[Page] 162
16th Sept. [September] 1912
Moffat Par. [Parish]
Fort remains Tait Burn
On a plateau forming the Eastern bank
of extended channel of the Tait Burn adjacent
to the spot where it debouches on the Moffat
Water are the fragmentary remains of a
carvilinear fort. The position on the top of
a 20 feet bank which now lies some 30 back
from the actual bed of the burn commands
a view up and down the glen of the Moffat
Water while to the North West the burn dashing
over 300 of cliff forms the Grey Mares Tail waterfall.
Of the fort all that remains is a segment of a
rampart, concave towards the edge of the bank
and a trench outside but of the area which
these defences enclosed there remains at no
part a greater breadth than 12 feet to such
an extent has the plateau been eroded by
the stream. The rampart extends for some
125 feet measured along the curve, is stoney, and
is covered by a trench some 20 feet in width
from crest to crest, 6 feet deep below the crest
of the scarp and from 2 to 3 feet below that
of the counterscarp. A number of large
stones lie along the edge of the counterscarp
but they do not show signs of the construction.
A bank extending from the S. [South] end of the
rampart towards the road for a distance
[Continued on page 163] |
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[Page] 163
[continued from page 162]
of some 50 or 60 feet is traceable over the trench
and is probably secondary.
Enclosure Roundstonefoot
About 1/4 mile to the north of Roundstonefoot
and partially destroyed by the road up
Moffatdale has been an oval enclosure. It now
consists of little more than a semi-oval
the chord being marked by the wall at the
roadside measuring 105 ft [feet] by 60 ft. [feet] and
surrounded by a massive stony rampart
with an elevation of some 5 ft. [feet] at highest
on the exterior and not more than 3 ft. [feet] on
the inner side. The interior lies at two
distinct levels - the North half having
apparently been hollowed by excavation
to a depth of several feet. The entrance
some 6 ft. [feet] wide has opened into the lower
area from the N E. [North East].
Enclosure Selcoth
This enclosure is situuated on a projecting
point running out into the valley of the
Moffat Water on its Eastern side and some
250 yds. [yards] S W. [South West] of Selcoth. It is pear shaped
in form, surrounded by a single broad
stony rampart which except where it crosses
the neck of the promontory on the East, follows
the contour at the edge from which there
is a fall of from 20 to 40 ft. [feet] to the floor of
[Continued on page 164] |
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[Continued from page 163
the valley. The longest axis lies from S E. [South East]
to N W. [North West] and the interior measures some 191 ft. [feet]
by 124 ft. [feet]. The rampart some 12 ft. [feet] broad at base has a height of
4 ft. [feet] at most above the interior and nowhere
more than 3 ft. [feet] to 4 ft. [feet]. on the exterior. The
interior area shows evidence of hollowing
by excavation especially at the upper or
N E. [North] end where the floor lies some 6 ft. [feet] below
the natural ground level outside. At the
extreme point within the rampart, here the
highest part of the defences there is an oblong
enclosure measuring 44 ft. [feet] by 22 ft. [feet] the
inner wall of which appears to be a bank
of unexcavated soil and rock, now surrounded
by a modern stone dyke and pierced at
no visible point by an entrance to the
larger enclosure. The main entrance
has been from the E N E [East North East] into the lowest
area of the interior. Crossing the interior
diagonally towards the entrance, and cutting the area
into two divisions is a broad bank which
seems to have been formed of natural ground
left by excavation on either side.
Fort (site) Craigieburn
To the West of the entrance to Craigieburn
and occupying a hillock on the East side
of the burn there has been a large oval
[Continued on page 165] |
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[Continued from page 164]
fort whose outline can now only be made out
with difficulty. To the North of the cottage and
Kennels which stand upon the site there is traceable
a portion of a trench and a broad rampart
is discernible curving around the meadow
in front. The entrance has evidently been up
the slope from the bottom of the valley into the
South end of the fort by a track passing
obliquely upwards.
Enclosures Crofthead or Comal Burn
This enclosure at both these localities
may be noted as sites. That at Crofthead
is shown on the 25'' O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map as having
been circular with a diameter of about 150 ft. [feet]
Enclosure Hunterheck
This enclosure occupies the summit of a plateau
in an angle formed by a bend of the Trenchland
Burn as it changes its course from Westerly to
a Southerly direction and appears to have been
irregularly circular in form measuring 183 ft. [feet] by
164 ft. [feet] in diameter. With its North arc resting on
the glen of the burn it has been surrounded ex:
:cept at the North East as aftermentioned, by a broad
stony mound rising at most some 3 to 4 feet
on either face. On the N E. [North East] this mound instead
of being carried forward to the edge of the glen complete the circle is
turned away sharply to the Eastward for a dis:
:tance of some 66 ft. [feet] terminating at 23 ft. [feet] back
[Continued on page 166] |
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[Continued from page 165]
from a steep bank lying parallel & falling in the direction of the burn
The interior has been to some extent hollowed by
excavation the floor level on the South being some
3 feet below that of the ground immediately outside
It has been crossed by a broad bank from East
South East to West North West cutting off about
3/8 against the South arc. at the West end of which
a circular hollow appears to have been formed
measuring some 60 ft. [feet] by 52 ft. [feet] in diameter. Another
cross wall runs in a North Easterly direction from a
point somewhat to the East of the centre of the
main divisional bank and forms a triangular
enclosure against the East arc of which
however, the North angle is unclosed. The entrance
6 ft. [feet] wide has been from the South West flanked
on the left by an inward return of the rampart
for a distance of some 12 ft. [feet]. From it to the Trenchland
Burn on the West a roadway is traceable where
its course has been cut through opposing rock
and down the bank of the burn.
Beyond the enclosure on the point of the plateau
to the Northwest is an area which appears to
have been hollowed and some 250 yards to the Eastward at the base of the rising ground to:
:wards the upper end of the field and close by
the bank of the burn are a number of indeterminate
[Continued on page 167] |
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[Continued from page 166]
foundations.
Foundations
In the second field to the North of Trenchland
burn about 1/2 mile to the East of Moffat are a
number of foundations shown in ridges over the
turf and covering several acres in extent. Some
appear to be those of houses while others are of
larger enclosures and there are also areas hollowed
by excavation. Some of the wall foundations are
very broad. An old roadway is clearly discernible
leading into the group from the direction of
Trenchland Tower. It is said that these
lands belong to the Knight Templars and it is
assumed that here there are the remains of some
settlement belonging to that body. What evidence
there is of this I do not know.
17 Sept 1912
Moffat (15)
On the North side of a small plantation
about 150 yds [yards] to the North of the school at
Bridgend on a slight eminence are the
very indefinite traces of an artificial earthwork.
Mote Granton
On the West side of the road to Ericstane
some ? 300 yds [yards] beyond the entrance to
Granton is a gravel hillock which rises
somewhat abruptly to a height of from 12 ft. [feet]
to 14 ft [feet] From the highest point at the S. [South] end
it tails away for some 80 or 90 feet towards
the N N E [North North East] with a round backed and somewhat
[Continued on page 168] |
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[Continued from page 167]
narrow ridge, The situation is on absolutely level
and low lying ground with the steep slope of the
Eastern wall of the valley mounting upwards some
50 yards distant from it. There is no surrounding
trench, and the character & situation in
no way suggest a mote, the hillock is probably
quite natural.
Fort Auchincat Burn.
This is a large semicircular or horse shoe shaped earthwork
which lies on the North side of the Auchencat
Burn about 1/2 mile above the spot where
it is crossed by the road to Ericstane. Its
situation is the top of a lofty bank which has
a steep and in places well nigh precipitous
slope down to the burn some 70 to 80 feet
below. The defences consist of a massive
rampart of earth and stone, bold all round
except towards the edge of the ravine, rising to
a height on the interior face of some 5 to 6 feet,
covered in front by a trench the floor of which
lies at deepest some 8 feet below the crest of
the rampart and 4 to 5 feet below that of
the counterscarp. The trench has an average
width from crest to crest of 33 ft. [feet] and appears
to have been dug entirely out of soil, the counter:
:scarp having a gentle slope and giving
no evidence of rock cutting. The base of the
[Continued on page 169] |
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[Continued from page168]
fort within the defences along the edge of the bank measuring 242 ft [feet]
and the bisectional diameter 136 ft [feet]. The entrance
with an approximate width of 8 feet has been
a short distance in from the edge of the ravine
on the West side passing the banked up end of
the trench on the North and through the rampart
which to the South of it has evidently taken a sharp turn Eastward
along the edge of the ravine at this point less
steep than elsewhere.
Ericstane Sundial
Standing within the garden at Ericstane is
a sundial which is said to have come
originally from Wamphray Place.
From a base 3 feet square which has originally
been moulded at the upper edge with half round
vertical mouldings at the angles there rises
a shaft a square of 8 inches in section and
2 feet in height, supporting a cushion cap,
on which rests the table incised with the dial,
a double hexagon in form, 1ft [foot] 9 1/2 ins [inches] in
diameter, each facet measuring 6 inches
across and except those respectively facing
N [North] & S. [South] bearing a cup shaped hollow in the
centre 3 1/2 inches in diameter crossed obliquely
by a thin iron rod. The hollows facing N [North] and S. [South]
[Continued on page 170] |
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[Continued from page 169]
have been sunk with a straight edge to a depth
of 1/4 inch and have had some metal object projecting
from the centre. The shaft has been carved on
its four sides. On the South incised at the top are
the names Robert Johnstoune - Isabella Rollo
Beneath in relief two coats of arms placed
vertically blazoned thus:- the upper - a saltire on a chief three
cushions (taselled), crest ? a fox. Motto.
nunquam non paratus. the lower, a
chevron between three ? roe's heads erased.
supportes - two stags on a baron's coronet crest,a stag's head
Motto : ? Fortune Mate for fortune - (The
first two words of this motto are doubtful) Both
shields are enriched with Mantling at base
the date 1701. The W. [West] face bears the Table
of the sun's rising and setting, with the names
of the months and the hours, the N. [North] two columns
evidently of hours and minutes commencing
thus: --
1.16 - 0.48
2.17 - 1.36
3.18 - 2.24
4.12 - 3.12
5.20 - 4.0
which I must
get some one versed
in the law of sundials
to explain to me.
[Continued on page 171] |
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[Continued from page 170]
the following information about it. The
names inscribed are those of the last laird of
Wamphray and his wife who was a daughter
of the third Lord Rollo, and a grand daughter
of Balfour of Burleigh The dial is supposed
to have come from Wamphray Place which
ceased to be a residence about the middle of
the 18th century. Previous to its being re:
:moved to Ericstane, some 32 years ago, it
stood for a great number of years in a
garden in Holm St. Moffat.
[Margin] Omit
Auchencat Burn On Copperworking
On the left bank of the burn some 2 to 300 yds [yards]
higher up than the fort above described are
the shafts of old copper working said to
have been opened about the middle of the
eighteenth century. There is said to be a
note of the prospecting in the account of the
Agriculture of Dumfries-shire 1812
Newton Caves at.
Cut into the soft red sandstone rock facing
the Lochan burn to the S W. [South West] of the shepherd's
cottage at Newton are two caves entered
from the ground level. The most westerly
measures 13 ft. [feet] by 14 ft. [feet] 9 ins. [inches] by 6 ft. [feet] 9 ins. [inches] in height
and shows all over on its roof & walls the
marks of the picks with which it has been
hollowed out. It seems to have been used as
[Continued on page 172] |
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[Continued from page 171]
a stable, and the floor is causewayed.
The second cave is of similar character and
dimensions except that it is not causewayed and
across the rock floor is cut a drain. It has
a high squared doorway in the front and high
up on the wall to the right in the corner is a
small aperture to the outside from which on
the outerface a squared recess a foot in width
& 6 to 8 ins [inches] deep is carried up to the top of the
rock. In the centre of the roof is a small funnel-
-like opening which formerly would open to the
upper air. To the West of the first
cave a recess on the face of the rock showing
numerous tool marks appears to have been the
back wall of another similar cave. Nothing
seems to be known of the history of these caves.
Enclosure Corehead
On the brow of a ridge which forms the
end of the watershed between two burns coming
down from Cooklaw Knowe and Spout Craig
respectively, at an elevation of 900 feet over
sea level and about 1/2 mile to the South East
of Corehead is a circular enclosure measuring interiorly 152 ft [feet] by 138 ft [feet] formed
with a single rampart composed of small stones,
now reduced to a low level towards the
exterior but owing to the hollowing of
the interior having an elevation on the inside
[Continued on page 173] |
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[Page] 173
[Continued from page 172]
towards the higher level of from 3 to 4 feet. Against
the S [South] East arc on the interior lie some low heaps
of stones irregularly circular, suggestive of
hut foundations, and on the North North West
there is an elevated circular platform with
a diameter of some 40 feet to the S. [South] of which
appears to have been the entrance coming from
the West.
Fort Ericstane
This fort occupies the crest of a ridge lying
North and South rising slightly from the
East and falling about 100 ft. [feet] by a long gradual
descent to the bottom of the Annan valley
on the West, to the Northward there is likewise
a considerable gradient to the bed of the
? Cocklaw Burn. It lies 1/2 mile NNE [North North East] of Ericstane
and at an elevation of 700 feet over sea level.
The interior of the fort is oval lying with its
longest axis North and South and measuring
176 feet by 143 ft [feet]. It is surrounded by two
stony mounds not truly concentric, the
distance over the flat intervening space
being 26 ft. [feet] and 15 ft. [feet] on the North and
West respectively, and 40 ft. [feet]
on the South and East to the outside
is a trench with an average width of 20 ft. [feet]
from crest to crest & a greatest depth of 4 ft [feet] below the crest
of an outer mound forming the counterscarp. The inner mound has
[Continued on page 174] |
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[Page] 174
[Continued from page 173]
[Opposite page]
^So as to increase the length of the passage
the rampart forming the counterscarp
of the trench makes a bend inward on
either side.
an elevation of not more than 3 feet while
the outer mound with a similar elevation
on the inner face presents a scarp to
the trench varying from 4 ft [feet] to 6 ft [feet] in
height. There are indications of stone work on the crests of the rampart.
The interior area has in places
been hollowed by excavation especially
towards the South end. The entrance some
7 feet in width, has been on the East side
into the lowest part of the area, passing
through the line of the trench which is banked
up on either side & directly through the rampart
seemingly flanked by a wall on either side
as it crosses the interspace. ^
On the right
or North side of the entrance various irregular
mounds and heaps of stone may indicate
the existence of rstructures of some kind
between the ramparts, and around the base
of the inner rampart at the South end
there is much stone lying, overgrown with
turf which may have a similar indication.
Fort Ericstane
About 1/4 mile to the West of Ericstane at
an elevation of some 750 feet above sea
level is a fort. It is
formed on the edge of the steep Northern bank
of the ravine down which there flows the
Braefoot Burn making its way to the
[Continued on page 175] |
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[Page] 175
[Continued from page 174]
Annan some 400 yds [yards] distant and has been
constructed from unusually adaptable material
features. The enceinte is a semi oval with
its chord E [East] and W [West] lying along the edge of the
ravine and falling considerably in level to
the former direction measuring interiorly 240 ft. [feet] by 129 ft [feet]. It is enclosed by a
massive rampart, seemingly a structureless
mass of small stones, rising some 5 to 6 feet
above the level of the interior area. In front
of this rampart is a trench 36 feet wide, 8 feet
deep below the crest of the scarp and from 5
to 6 ft. [feet] below that of the counterscarp. To
this extent the defenses appear to be in the
main artificial but beyond this a remarkable
conformation of the ground has been utilized
to provide on the upper half of the fort two
outer ramparts separated by a trench-like
hollow with a second trench to the outside,
being transformed on the lower half of the
periphery, through the convergence of the
two hollows and the consequent elimination
of the outer rampart, into a single mound
and trench. This trench or hollow passes
round the lower end of the fort and opens
onto the face of the ravine. These outer mounds
and hollows are clearly discernible as natural
[Continued on page 176] |
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[Page] 176
[Continued from page 175]
features on the higher ground above the fort
and as they come into its immediate vicinity
they have been dug out and shaped so as
admirably to substitute and simulate artificial
lines. The entrance some 8 feet wide
has entered the outer hollow at its lower end
and probobly passing up it for some 50 yards
mounted to a little plateau at the South
end of the enceinte whence it lead to an
opening in the East end of the inner enclosure.
18 Sept [September] 1912.
Mr Johnstone tells me that in the Proceedings
of the Soc. [Society] of Antiquaries of London for 1857 or 8
there is a paper by a Mr Vere Irvine on the
excavation of a so called Roman cemetery near
Moffat.
Auchencass
I visited Auchencass to examine a stone
at the back of an ambray said by Mr. Watson
to be sculptured. I made a careful ex:
:amination of the stone and of the markings
on it by the light of a candle and am
quite satisfied that the markings do not
produce any definite design. They have the
appearance of scratches made by a plough
or the teeth of a harrow. I saw several other
stones about the castle with similar scratchings
upon them. The stone is a boulder from the upper
[Continued on page 177] |
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[Page] 177
[Continued from page 176]
[Opposite page sketch & photograph inserted]
end of which a flake has been knocked off leaving
a sharp fracture edge about 1'' in depth. The
markings appear on both sides of this line
both at the base of the fracture & the top of it
and even were the lines more suggestive of
design it is in the highest degree improbable that
an artist would have selected a broken surface
of this nature for the exercise of his art!
Kirkpck. [Kirkpatrick] Juxta Mote Garpol Water
Situated some 80 ft [feet] back from the right
bank of the Garpol Water in the moorland
and by the side of the road which leads over
the hills from Egypt to Holmshaw is a
prominent flat topped hillock which has
been fashioned by art into a mote and
bailey. It is oval lying with its main
axis N W. [North West] and S E [South East] and its level summit
of the same form measures some 107 feet
by 36 ft [feet] in diameter. The level of the
surrounding ground falls towards the
Garpol Water on the North so that the greatest
elevation of the mote is on that side its
altitude being 30 ft. [feet] on the north side and
15 feet on the South. Around the base
except where destroyed by the roadway on
the South East is a well defined trench
having a breadth varying from 22 feet to
[Continued on page 178] |
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[Page] 178
[Continued on page 177]
30 feet and a depth at the level of the counter:
:scarp of from 4 ft. [feet] to 6 ft [feet] 6 ins [inches] except for a
short distance at the N [North] West where it has a
depth of 11 feet before dropping over the brow to
the lower level on the N. [North]. Some 7 feet above the
bottom of the trench on the South side is a
narrow terrace about 5 feet in breadth fur:
:nished with a stony parapet. This terrace
continues of narrow breadth all along the
South West side but after passing round
both ends it broadens out into a small
base court shaped like the human ear
forming a projecting shoulder towards the
N E. [North East] The length of this base court is 117 ft [feet]
its breadth at centre 36 ft. [feet] At its S [South] East end
its floor lies at a level some 2 to 3 ft [feet] below
the N W. [North West] portion and is further protected at
its edge by a parapet mound. Above
the base court and the terrace the
summit eminence rises to a height of
13 ft [feet] and of 7 ft [feet] 6 ins. [inches] respectively. Like a
true mote hill it shows no pathway leading
to the summit but across the trench at
the N W. [North West] end when there is a sudden
change in the levels there appears to have
been a gangway leading by a steep
[Continued on page 179] |
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[Page] 179
[Continued from page 178]
path into the base court. Where the trench
passes along the N E [North East] face over the low ground
by the burn an outer mound some 3 ft. [feet] in
height forms the counterscarp through
which near the centre where the ground
is lowest in level and wet there is a gap
some 30 ft. [feet] wide.
Camp Garpol Water
On the low haugh land by the left bank of
the Garpol Water close by the footbridge on
the road from Egypt to Holmshaw and
about 1 1/2 miles direct to the North West of Beatock
are the remains of a rectangular enclosure
to which a Roman origin has been at:
;tributed. Except for its rectangular
oblong form there seem no grounds for
such an assumption: the site is over:
:looked in all directions, commands no
prospect, and has an elevation above
the summer level of the Garpol Water
varying from 8 feet at the N W [North West] to about
4 feet at the lower end. The enceinte is
oblong with the angles very slightly rounded lying with its main axis N W [North West] and
S E. [South East] and has when complete measured
some 277 feet by 172 feet, the South angle
having apparently been entirely washed
away by the stream. It has been surrounded
[Continued on page 180] |
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[Page] 180
[Continued from page 179]
by a stony rampart some 3 feet high on
the interior with a trench in front not now
continuously recognisable in the wet ground
about the North angle but very distinct in
the neighbourhood of the East corner where
it measures 27 ft. [feet] in breadth and 5 feet and
3 feet in depth below scarp and counterscarp
respectively. Along the North West it has a
breadth of 21 feet and depth as above of
3 ft. [feet] and 4 feet respectively. There is a gap
some 9 ft [feet] broad in the North West face
about 18 ft. [feet] in from the angle by the burn
but the large stones cropping out on the
roadway suggest that it is not an original
entrance. Just within the rampart on the
East side are the remains of a stony mound
or cairn some 20 ft. [feet] in diameter which
appears to have been excavated. Note.
In a communication to the Pro. Soc. Antiq.
Scot. [Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of
Scotland] 1886 the writer refers to this mound as
a circular building partially destroyed
with comparatively thin walls. Its character
is not now apparent on superficial ex:
:amination.
Cairn supposed Rosetta
On the South side of the road from
Egypt to Rosetta about ? 300 yds [yards] East of
[Continued on page 181] |
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[Page] 181
[Continued from page 180]
of the latter and close by the road within
a small circular plantation is a stony
mound which has the appearance of a
cairn. It is a rounded oblong in form
lying with its longest axis North and
South and measuring in length and
breadth 38 feet and 26 feet with an
elevation of 3 feet.
Continue to Vol III. |
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[Page] 182
A
Allangillfoot -- 15
Arkleton -- 22
Applegarth Churchyard -- 75
Applegarth Mote -- 75
Alais Knowe -- 100
Applegarth Fort -- 106
Auchencat Burn -- 168
Auchencass -- 176 |
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[Page] 183
B.
Boonies -- 8.
Bogle Walls -- 9.
Bailie hill -- 12.
Bankhead Hill -- 16.
Bentpath -- 19.
Brieryshaw Hill -- 19.
Birren Rig -- 22.
Blocklinns -- 39.
Black Bull Bank -- 39.
Broomhillbank Hill -- 44.
Blindhillbush Hill -- 47.
Blackshaw Earthworks -- 51.
Bengall Farm -- 61.
Balgray Churchyard -- 77.
Burrian Skelton -- 96.
Berryscaur Carved stone -- 96.
Broomhill Bank Fort -- 98.
Birrens -- 112
Birrens Hill Carruthers -- 117
Broomrig -- 124.
Bars Hill -- 134.
Burrance Bridge -- 143.
Boreland -- 158
Bridge end Moffat -- 167.
C.
Covenanters Tomb -- 1.
Castle Hill Fort -- 3.
Castle O'er -- 5.
Craighill Fort -- 7.
Cauldkinefoot -- 24.
Carterton Kknowes -- 26.
Calfield -- 38.
Craigwood -- 51.
Caerlaverock -- 51.
Corrie Church Yard -- 54.
Cocklawrig -- 56.
Carthur Hill Fort -- 56.
Castle Hill -- 60.
Crawthat Cottage -- 63.
Capel Burn -- 66.
Cumstone Burn Fort -- 78
Corrie Water -- 78.
Craighouse Enclosure -- 79.
Corrie Hill Graveyard -- 80.
Corrie Common Fort -- 81
Carterton Fort -- 82.
Corncockle Plantation -- 90.
Castle Knowe Saughtrie -- 102.
Craighousestead Hill -- 113
Cars Wood -- 127.
Cunzierton Wood -- 130.
Camphill - Torthorwald -- 138.
Craigsheils -- 139.
Craigieburn -- 164.
Croft Head -- 165.
Corehead -- 172. |
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[Page] 184
D.
Deil's Dingle -- 18.
Docken Burn -- 34.
Dinwoodie Graveyard -- 46.
Dryfe Lodge -- 55.
Doe's Hill -- 66.
Dryfesdale Gate -- 72.
Dryfeholm Cairn -- 73.
Dormont Rig -- 84.
Dalmakethar Farm -- 106.
Dalmakethar Fort -- 108.
Dinwoodie Manse -- 110.
Dalbate Fort -- 117.
Duff Kinnel -- 130.
Deid Bell - Torthorwald -- 139.
Dundoran Fort -- 151.
E.
Eskdalemuir -- 1.
Enzieholm -- 9.
Ewes Kirk Bell -- 24.
Elbeck Hill Enclosure -- 100.
Ecclefechan Churchyard -- 111.
Edgemoor -- 133.
Ericstane -- 167.
Ericstane Fort -- 173. |
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[Page] 185
F.
Fort Hutton & Corrie Par. [Parish] -- 52.
Fir Tree Hill -- 93.
Fort - Applegarth Par. [Parish] -- 94.
Frenchland -- 167.
G.
Glendiven Burn -- 23.
Gilnockie -- 35.
Gilnockie Tower -- 38.
Glentennount -- 40.
Gallaberry Fort -- 73.
Gotterbie Moor -- 91.
Gars hill -- 137.
Gibbs Corse -- 140.
Garvald Church -- 145.
Garden holm -- 155.
Granton Mote -- 167.
Garpol Water Mote -- 177. |
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[Page] 186
H.
Hart Manor -- 14.
Henries Burn -- 27.
Hollows Tower -- 41
Howthat Burn -- 46.
Hall Muir -- 59.
Haggie Hill -- 66.
Hencastle Rig Fort -- 78.
Hangingshaw -- 88
Hewke -- 92.
Hutton Mote -- 92
Hightown Hill -- 125.
Hillhead Fort -- 156.
Hunterheck --165.
I.
Irvine Old -- 33.
Irvine House -- 41.
Ingleston Moor -- 132.
J.
Johnstone Graveyard -- 88.
Johnstone Tumulus -- 111
Johnstone Fort -- 127. |
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[Page] 187
K.
Kirk Hill Stone Circle -- 101.
Kirk Hill Cottage -- 111
Kirkmichael -- 127.
Kirkpatrick Juxta -- 152 -- 146 -- 132.
Knockspen -- 141.
Kirkmichael Churchyard -- 142.
Kirkmichael Fell -- 143.
Kirkland Hill -- 143.
L.
Lyneholm Hill -- 11.
Lochlee Hill -- 23.
Lochmaben -- 90.
Linnhall -- 122.
Lochmaben Peel -- 125.
Laverhay Earthwork -- 150.
Leithenhall -- 151.
Lochwood Mote -- 158.
Lochwood Tower -- 160 |
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[Page] 188
M
Middleholm Cairn -- 34.
Macrieholm Knowe -- 40.
Muckle Snab Hill -- 65.
Middlebie Fort -- 67.
Mosshead Hill -- 68.
Millbank Fort Applegarth -- 77.
Mote Cottage. Johnstone Par. [Parish] -- 89
Mote of Hutton -- 92.
Mid Hill Applegarth -- 93
Minsca -- 121.
Mollius -- 129
Martyes Stones -- 140
Moffat -- 162.
Mc |
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[Page] 189
N.
New Woodhead -- 35.
Newbigging -- 152. -- 46.
Nutholm Hill -- 62.
Newland Hill -- 103.
Newhall Hill -- 114.
Newfarm Mote -- 161.
Newton -- 171.
O.
Old Irvine – 33. |
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[Page] 190
P.
Peat Hill Enclosure -- 58.
Parkcleugh foot -- 81.
Payatshaw's Rig -- 86.
Pennershaugh Graveyard -- 112.
Pinnacle Hill Fort -- 124.
Poldean -- 152.
Park Hill Fort -- 157.
Q. |
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[Page] 191
R.
Raeburn foot -- 1.
Rig Hill -- 35.
Ruthwell Cross -- 48.
Rangecastle Hill -- 58. -- 53.
Ryecastle Enclosure -- 87.
Ross Mains -- 89.
Rose burrian Fort -- 95.
Raggiewhat Fort -- 105.
Raehills -- 128.
Rigfoot -- 161.
Round Stonefoot -- 163.
Rosetta -- 180.
S.
Saugh Hill -- 14.
Sorbie Bridge -- 24.
Solway bank -- 40
St. Mungo's Churchyard -- 62.
Stone Circle -- Whiteholmrig -- 70
Stidrigg Burn -- 86.
Shaw Farm -- 98.
Shankend Enclosure -- 99.
Stone Circle Kirkhill -- 101.
Saughtrig --102.
Stone Circle - Whitecastle -- 102.
Stockbridge hill -- 112.
Stidrigg -- 132
Sax -- 143
Selcoth -- 163. |
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[Page] 192
T.
Tanlaw Hill -- 25.
Todshaw Hill -- 32.
Tinnis Hill -- 33.
Tundergarth Fort -- 65.
Tundergarth Church -- 68.
Torbeck Hill -- 120.
Trailflat Churchyard -- 125.
Tanners Lynn -- 127.
Tinwald Churchyard --136.
Torthorwall -- 137.
Tait Burn. Fort -- 162
U.
Upper Glendivan -- 23. |
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[Page] 193
V.
W.
Watcarrick -- 2.
Westerkirk -- 7.
White Birren -- 11.
Westside -- 27.
Woodhead New -- 35.
Whitecastle Knowe -- 42.
Wardlaw Hill -- 50.
Waterhead -- 58.
Winterhope Head -- 66.
Whiteholmrig Stone Circle -- 70.
Whitestone Hill Fort -- 71.
Whitecastle Stone Circle -- 102.
Whitecastle Fort -- 103.
Wamphray Standing Stone -- 106
Woodycastle -- 122.
Whitehill -- 125
Wallace's House -- 143.
Wamphray Place Note -- 147. |
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