Curle Diary 13

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gb0551ms-36-47-1 [Page] 1 [opposite page] Y. (contd) [continued] 18 Sept 1912 Fort Camp Knowe Chapel Hill This fort is situated on a rocky eminence at an elevation of ? 800 feet above sea level on the crest of the Chapel Hill the watershed between the Annan & the Elvan, which rises steeply on the West for some [blank] feet from the Elvan Water and slopes away by more easy gradients in all other directions. The hillock rises by a somewhat gradual slope from the Northward to an elevation of some 20ft. [feet] faced at its Southern extremity by steep rocky slope. The summit which is very uneven and shows no signs of having been levelled lies with it's longest axis NE. [North East] and South West and measures 163 feet by 111 feet. Except around the North arc where the defences have been obliterated there runs around the hillock from its base where the adjacent ground is highest and maintaining a fairly regular level as it encirles it a trench some 21 feet in width at the level of the counterscarp with a mound to the outside having as the ground falls away a scarp from 7ft [feet] to 11 feet in height. A hollow leads to the summit from the North East and opposite it the trench terminates. At 45 feet South of its termination there is an opening [Continued on Page 2]
gb0551ms-36-47-2 [Page] 2 [Continued from page 1] through the outer mound into the trench and the entrance to the interior has been either directly up the hollow, below which there appears indication of flanking walls, or else by the opening along the trench and thence into the hollow. On the face of the hillock overlooking the section of the trench between the opening and the hollow there lies a mass of stones. There appears to gave been a parapet mound around the summit. Dr [Doctor] Christison noted in 1891 that a break in the rampart towards the Evan showed carefully built masonry of small stones without mortar. Note - This fort appears to be very similar in character to Range castle Hill fort in the Hutton & Corrie which had a similar trench along the base of the eminence. Small Cairns Coats Hill. (Unnoted) On a shoulder of Coats Hill on the South flank about 1/4 m. [mile] South West of the summit and at an elevation of some 550 ft [feet] or thereby is a group of small cairns about five in number measuring in diameter from 12ft. [feet] to 18ft. [feet] As the hill rises others are observable among the brackens. [Continued on page 3]
gb0551ms-36-47-3 [Page] 3 [Continued from Page 2] Fort. Coats Hill Situated on the South West flank of Coats Hill 600ft. [feet] in elevation above the sea level and 74 ft. [feet] below the summit of the hill is an oval con: :struction lying with its longest axis N. [North] and S. [South] measuring 121ft. [feet] by 91ft. [feet] and surrounded by a broad and very stony rampart, possibly a wall, some 10 to 12 ft. [feet] in thickness at base, with a height of from 2 to 3 ft. [feet] except on the North where the interior of the enclosure has been hollowed by excavation giving the bank a height of some 5 ft. [feet] on the interior and 2 ft. [feet] to the outside. The entrance with an approximate width of 7 ft. [feet] has been from the West and shows on it's South side several large boulders in situ and displaced. 20 Sept. [September] 1912 Enclosure K'patrick [Kirkpatrick] Juxta (27) On the Eastern slope of the Watershed betwixt Kinnel and Annan, at an elevation of 300 feet over sea level, some [blank] yds [yards] to the North West of [blank] and now within cultivated ground is a small almost circular enclosure which has been surrounded by a stony bank or possibly a wall some 6 ft. [feet] in thickness and now of low elevation. With its longest axis North & South it measures interiorly 105 ft. [feet] by 97 ft. [feet] The interior to a small extent has been hollowed by excavation and has been crossed by a wall cutting off about 3/8 towards the North West. The entrance has probably been from [Continued on Page 4]
gb0551ms-36-47-4 [Page] 4 [Continued from Page 3] the East into the lowest part of the interior. Fort. Tassies Height. K.pk [Kirkpatrick] Juxta (21). The site of this fort is of a long low ridge lying North and South parallel with the Annan which flows by on the East about 1/2 a mile distant and at an elevation some 65 feet lower, the elevation of the fort being some 365 ft. [feet] above sea level. The farm of Milton lies about 1/2 mile to the South South East with Kirkpatrick Juxta Church a little further away to the Westward. Though the ridge is not high the fort commands an extensive view Northward to the head of Annandale and also down the dale for several miles. To the East there is a long easy gradient to the river, to the South the ground dips to a slight hollow beyond the fort where the ridge falls away gradually, to the West another hollow separates it from a higher parallel ridge while to the North the level is maintained for some hundred yards. Having been long under cultivation the fort has suffered much from the levelling action of the plough and the harrow so that in its present condition its original features are somewhat difficult to expiscate. In form it appears to be an irregular [Continued on Page 5]
gb0551ms-36-47-5 [Page] 5 [Continued from Page 4] [Opposite page] See Reg Mag. Sig. [Registrum Magni Sigilli] 12 Oct. [October] 1512. Sasine given by Robert Edzane as depute of John Lord Maxwell of inter Alia the Logane tenement, at the Mote (Monticulum) near the House of Michael Ramsey, on the ground of said lands. The Logan tenement is believed to be identical with Loganewoodheid of subsequent charters, otherwise called Ker and Thasseholm. "The Mote mentioned as being near the house of Michael Ramsey is in the field immediately behind Miltons farm steading, the field being known to this day as the Motefield" Article by Mr J. Thorburn Johnstone in [blank] date. [blank]. oblong, placed with its longest axis East and West at right angles to the trend of the ridge, having its South side fairly straight and the three other sides slightly convex, & measuring through the centre interiorly from crest to crest 145 feet by 93 feet. It has been surrounded by a single earthen rampart of very con: :siderable bulk, but now greatly spread having a trench to the outside measuring from the present crest of the scarp to that of the counterscarp 50 ft. [feet], the contour being greatly flattened, and the depth very shallow. The rampart. which appears to be of earth, from observation and the statement of the farmer, has a vertical height on the exterior of some 5 ft. [feet] The entrance has evidently been through the centre of the East end the scarp of the rampart being lowest at that point. An old road marked on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map for several miles up as it passes through upper Annandale and popularly regarded as Roman is said to proceed along the ridge past the entrance to this fort which in its turn is also given a Roman attribution. For the facts regarding this road see Dr [Doctor] James McDonald's [Continued on Page 6]
gb0551ms-36-47-6 [Page] 6 [Continued from page 5] paper in the Proceedings of Soc. Ant. Scot. [Society Antiquaries Scotland] where there is also information regarding this fort with references to Roy &c. Whatever its origin it appears to me to be distinct from most if not all other forts in this district. Contrary to the general practice it has been placed with its longest axis East and West across the trench of the ridge its form as a narrow oblong contrasts with the circular or wide ovals of the majority; its massive ramparts of earth, with its broad trench are peculia in a district where entrenchements are unusual and stony ramparts prevail. D. Christison noted that it was known locally as the "Moteknowe" but to a mote it bears no resemblance. Fort Poldean The site of this fort is the summit of a lofty hillock which rises with a very steep bank to a height of some 60 to 80 ft. above the Annan which flows round its base on the Westsome 3/4 m. [mile] to the South of Poldean Farm. The Hill presents a steep slope in all directions and is fairly level on the summit. The fort, the outline of which is not now very distinct appears to have been in form about 2/3 of an oval, the chord lying obliquely along [Continued on page 7]
gb0551ms-36-47-7 [Page] 7 [Continued from page 6] the edge of the bank overlooking the river. The longest axis is NNW [North North West] and SSE [South South East] and the interior measurements 219 ft. [feet] by 134 ft. [feet] The defences have consisted of a single story rampart now of slight elevation. The entrance appears to have been into the lowest part of the area from the East through the centre of the curve. Near the centre is a low stony mound suggestive of a small cairn. (I believe this fort is on a site known as St Catherine's Hill but look the map as to this) Fort The Dod This fort crowns the summit of a round topped Hill which swells upward from the Western Side of Annandale to an elevatio of 762 over sea level about 3/4 m. [mile] to the North East of Poldean. To the North and NE. [North East] it descends steeply for 100 feet or thereby towards the glen of the [blank] burn, while Southward it falls away by a long easy gradient The view it commands up and down Annan: ;dale is extensive. Except along the steep slopes on North and North East the summit has been encircled by a rampant some 18 ft. [feet] in thickness at base, using where highest to a height of some 5ft. [feet] on the exterior and [Continued on page 8]
gb0551ms-36-47-8 [Continued from page 7] [Opposite page sketch inserted] To 80° [Meg.] Scale 10' = 1 inch 2 to 3 ft. on the interior with a slight trench to the outside some 24 feet in width. The rampart is formed of earth and stone the upcast of the trench. As it approaches the steep slopes it diminishes in height and on the North West it is barely traceable. The interior area which is approximately circular has measured some 280 ft. [feet] in diameter. The entrance has probably been from the East not far from where the gradient takes a steeper pitch to Northward. Kirkpatrick Juxta. Manse. Built above the door of an old building now a byre at Kirkpatrick Juxta Manse is a panel inscribed [M G B 1626] while below it is the later inscription "Mr W. S. 1737 Si Deus pro nobis quis contra nos." The initials are those of the ministers at the respective dates and I believe the building is a former Manse but the Rev. [Reverend] Mr. Brodie's correspondence gives information and should be consulted. Standing Stones Dyke On the East side of the road from Beattock to Moffat about a mile to the South of the latter and adjacent to Dyke are three standing stones. Measuring above ground 3', 3'.9" and 5' in height and from 3 ft. [feet] to 3ft. [feet] 3 inches in breadth. They all face in different [Continued on page 9]
gb0551ms-36-47-9 [Page] 9 [Continued from page 8] directions and do not stand on the arc of a circle. The are probably the remains of some larger megalithic monument the exact arrange: :ment of which they do not reveal. Moffat Mote Auldton The Mote of Moffat lies to the East of the Birnock water and about 1/2 mile to the North East of the parish church engirt by a semi: :circular setting of hills. It is of the mote and bailey type - the bailey or base court resting on the edge of a former river bank some 10 feet in height, on West, South West, and South East, while the Mote has been constructed on rising ground to the North East of it. The Mote rises to a height of 28 ft., steeply scarped all round, and measures in diameter on the summit some 37 ft. by 32 ft. Unfortunately at some period, probably in complete ignorance of the true character of the construction, ex: :cavation has been conducted on the summit, with the result that it has been hollowed to a depth of 6 or 7 feet, while the material through a break on the S [South] West forms a talus over the trench at its base. It is entirely surrounded by a trench some 30 feet in width at the level of the crest of the counterscarp which has [Continued on page 10]
gb0551ms-36-47-10 [Page] 10 [Continued from page 9] a height of some 6 ft. [feet] on the S. [South] and, where passing through higher ground on the East a height of 8 ft. [feet] Where the trench cuts off the mote from the base court it is not shallower. At the north end of the base court a deep trench 34 broad, 11 feet deep below the crest of the scarp and from 5 ft [feet] to 6 ft. [feet] deep below that of the counterscarp, springing from the trench which encircles the mote, cuts it off from the plateau continuing along the bank to the Northward. Overlooking this trench a breastwork runs along the base court with an elevation of 5 feet on the inner side. The base court which is approximately semi-lunar in form, measures 196 feet from North-West to South East in longest diameter, and 118 ft. [feet] at right angles to that line across the centre. Enclosure Auldton On a trench on the Hill side about 1/4 mile due East of Auldton and ? 100 ft. [feet] above it are the remains of a circular enclosure which has been surrounded by a stony rampart or wall, and measures, with its longest axis North and South; 96 feet by 78 ft. [feet] in diameter. The position is completely commanded by the Hill rising abruptly behind [Continued on page 11]
gb0551ms-36-47-11 [Page] 11 [Continued from page 10] [Opposite page photograph inserted] it. The inner face of this bank on the East has been formed by excavating the interior to a depth of 5 ft. [feet] 21 Sept. [September] 1912. Kinnelhead Accompanied by Mr A. H. Bishop who took me in his car to Kinnelhead and pointed out to me the various forts he had examined on Beattock Hill. My examination of the ruins at Kinnelhead does not convince me that they are those of a tower, their construction in a hollow, and partially against a fairly high rock (some 10 ft.) also the complete absence of any historical reference to such a tower which must have been one of considerable importance against such a theory. The most Easterly building bears rather the proportions of a chapel but it is not oriented at all. Mr. MacGibbo drew my attention to a small stepped cross incised on the rock of which I took a photograph. I fancy it may be of 11th or 12th century date and possibly long anterior to the date of the buildings. Kinnelhead lies far up in the moorland that stretches from Beattock Hill to Queensberry at an elevation of some 870 ft. [feet] above sea level and over the [Continued on page 12]
gb0551ms-36-47-12 [Page] 12 [Continued from page 11] hillocks and hollows in its neighbourhood has numerous groups of small cairns of the usual external appearance circular, varying in diameter from 12 ft. [feet] to 20 ft. [feet] and rising in elevation seldom more than 2 ft [feet] 6 ins. [inches] About 1/2 m. [mile] South of the farmhouse lies a group of about a dozen-measuring in diameter from 12 to 14 ft. [feet] and in height about 2 ft. About 100 yds. to the westward is another group containing about six cairns lying along the slope of a hill the largest of which measures about 20 ft. [feet] in diameter and 2 ft. [feet] in height. Both these groups are at an elevation of some 850 ft. [feet] over sea level. There are also groups on the North end of Craighoar Hill and on the West side of the Tarnis Burn about 1/2 m. [mile] to the North of Kirmelhead between the road and the Kirmel Water some 3/4 mile East of the farm between 700 & 800 feet over sea level, also on the North side of the road about the same elevation. on the North & South sides of the Lochan Burn a few hundred yards above its junction with the Kinmel about the 700 ft. [feet] elevation. [Continued on page 13]
gb0551ms-36-47-13 [Page] 13 [Continued on page 12] Cairn Kinnelhead (34) Situated on the moorland about 3/4 mile to the South East of Kinnelhead is a circular cairn measuring some 42 ft. [feet] in diameter and 6 ft. [feet] in elevation which has not been excavated. Blue Cairn Kinnelhead This cairn has stood on the crest of a slight ridge lying to the South East of Queensberry Hill, on the East side of the Dupple Burn and about 3 miles South West of Kinnelhead at an elevation ? of over 1100 feet above sea level. It has been greatly delapidated and reduced to a low level while on the remains there has been erected a modern beacon some 10 ft. [feet] in height. Towards the South side of the centre of the cairn there are exposed the South and East sides of a short cist which has lain with its longest axis East and West. Its exact dimensions are not obtainable except, perhaps, by excavation, but the slat forming the South side has a length of 3 ft. [feet] 5 ins. [inches] The diameter of the cairn has been some 45 ft. [feet] Cairn Lochan Burn Kinnelhead Situated at the edge of a flat wettish área about 1/4 m. [mile] West by North of Lochanhead is a circular cairn with a diameter of 24 ft. [feet] and elevation of 2 ft. [feet] It is to [Continued on page 14]
gb0551ms-36-47-14 [Page] 14 [Continued on page 13] some extent delapidated but does not appear to have been excavated. Cairns Earshaig On a plateau in a bend of the burn known as the Earshaig Lake about 1/4 m. [mile] South by East of East Easrshaig is a group of four cairns. The two largest, approximately circular, measure respectively in diameter 24 ft [feet] by20 ft. [feet] and 22 ft [feet] by 20 ft. [feet] and the highest has an elevation of 3 ft. [feet] Small Cairn Stanshielsrig On he South side of the road to Kinnelhead where it passes the Staneshielrig to the South West of Beattock Hill and about a mile to the East of East Earshaig at an elevation of about 750 ft. [feet] over sea level are a considerable number of small cairns. Some of these were excavated in ? 1911 by Mr. A. H. Bishop but with negative results - none of these opened contained cists. 23rd Sept. [September] 1912. In a low lying meadow to the West of Beattock Station is a small pentagonal entrenchment measuring some 94 ft. [feet] by 69 ft. [feet] which was a puzzle to me as it was clearly neither defensive not pastoral. Mr Johnstone cleared up the enigma by stating that it was the site [Continued on page 15]
gb0551ms-36-47-15 [Page] 15 [Continued from page 14] of Navvy's huts created during the construction of the railway in 1847! It is likely to puzzle some Antiquary of the future. Fort Beattock Hill Occupying the summit of a bluff which projects from the Eastern slope of Beattock Hill at an elevation of some 550ft [feet] above sea level is a pear shaped enclosure lying with its longest axis South West to North East, with its narrower extremity towards the rising slope of the hill on the South West. It measures interiorly 113 feet by 70 feet across the centre and has been surrounded by a broad stony rampart, or possibly a wall, near the base of which large laid stones are here and there exposed. The broader end of the construction has been formed into a sub-enclosure by a curving cross wall and measures some 79 feet by 60 in diameter. The main entrance appears to have been up a steep slope from the East flanked on the inside by a return of the cross wall brought round from the South. At the higher end of the whole enclosure the interior has been hollowed by excavation to a depth of some [Continued on page 16]
gb0551ms-36-47-15 [Page] 15 Fort, Beattock Hill
gb0551ms-36-47-16 [Page] 16 [Continued from page 15] 4ft. [feet]. Fort Beattock Hill This the second fort on Beattock Hill as it mounts upwards from the North East lies at an elevation of some 700 ft. [feet] over sea level immediately to the East of the South end of the plantation which runs parallel with the road to Kinnelhead. It is circular in form measuring ^ interiorly about 110 ft. [feet] in diameter and occupies a shelf on the hillside commanded by higher ground on its Western semicircle but with a long and steep descent in the opposite direction. It has been surrounded by a broad stony rampart or wall, some 20 feet in thickness at base by the entrance. Around the South arc against the higher ground the defence appears to have consisted of a double wall with facing stones on either side and also at 4 ft [feet] in from the exterior, or of a 4 feet wall with an 8 feet banquette on the interior. The fort was partially ex: :cavated by Mr. A. H. Bishop, who found that the main wall on the ? North East was a rickle one formed of loose stone raised on a base which was faced on both sides with carefully laid blocks. The entrance, some 6 ft. [feet] wide has been from E.N E. [East North East] into an excavated hollow approximately circular in form with a diameter of 20 ft. [feet] or thereby. The interior has been [Continued on page 17]
gb0551ms-36-47-17 [Page] 17 [Continued from page 16] hollowed by excavation on the South arc to as much as 5 feet in depth below the exterior level. Close by the wall on the East side and some 25 feet distant from the entrance there are apparent the foundations of an oblong rectangular structure measuring interiorly some 19 ft. [feet] by 8 ft. [feet] and surrounded by a dry built wall some 2 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] in thickness. Fort Beattock Hill (No 13) The third fort on Beattock Hill lies at an elevation a little over 700 feet above sea level on the North West slope facing up the Garpol Water. It occupies a small spur springing from the higher ground on the South with a steep descent in all directions. The enciente forms an irregular elipse with its longest axis North North West and SSE. [South South East], the irregularity being due to a slight pro: :jection Southward on the East side measuring in diameter interiorly 125 ft. [feet] by 92 ft. [feet]. It has been formed by a massive stone wall some 7 to 9 ft. [feet] in thickness now much dilapidated, with large blocks forming the lower course still in situ. The interior slopes both North and West presents an unequal surface with numerous points of projecting rock. The entrance, [Continued on page 18]
gb0551ms-36-47-18 [Page] 18 [Continued from page 17 with an approximate width of 7 feet, has been from the West at the lowest level and is immediately confronted on the interior with a rocky escarpment rising as it passes South :ward from 4 to 10 ft. [feet] in height. At the North end against the wall there lie the foundations of a small oblong rectangular buidling measuring over all some 18 ft. [feet] by 12 ft [feet] with a small circular or apsided structure at either end That at the East end is very strong in the centre and its appearance suggests a bee-hive hut, that has at the West end has fewer stones in the centre and is circular. Fort Beattock Hill Beattock Hill rises to an elevation of 857 feet above sea level and to North and East overlooks the vale of Upper Annandale The summit which lies with its longest axis North and South rises boldly with a steep escarpment some 50 feet in height from a hollow on the West and has a lesser rise with a rocky profile from the East while from the North and South it ascends by an easy gradient. The fort occupies the whole of the summit its form being controlled by the contours and is oval in form measuring interiorly some 213 ft. [feet] by 100 ft. [feet]. [Continued on page 19]
gb0551ms-36-47-19 [Page] 19 [Continued from page 18] This area has been surrounded at its edge by a massive stone wall now entirely ruined the debris from which profusely litters the scarps below. Towards the North end of the area and at its East side an oval flat topped outcrop of rock has formed a citadel at the base of which on the South East there is a trench-like hollow which is not carried forward over the crest of the summit and which is probably natural. Beyond the inner wall there is an outer cincture, a second wall with at the foot of a scarp some 6-7 ft. [feet] high a slight trench ^ banked upon the counterscarp This passes across the face of the slope below the summit on the East & is carried across the South end some 10 to 12 ft. [feet] in front of the inner wall. on the Western slope its place is taken towards the South end by a terrace like shoulder with a parapet wall whence there is a steep descent to the bottom of the hollow. Along the Northern half of the West side the terrace ceases in a regular slope from the summit covered with a great mass of loose stones. Towards the North the outer wall reappears and the defences are similar to those at the opposite extremity. The main entrance has been from the South West and has wound [Continued on page 20]
gb0551ms-36-47-20 [Page] 20 [Continued from page 19] upwards with the interior flanked in its course by outcropping benches of rock. Enclosure On the Moorland about half a mile to the West South West of the summit of Beattock Hill and some 80 yards Eastward of the March dyke which divides Beattock Hill from Earshaig ^ and occupying no particularly defensible position, ^ is a small oval enclosure placed with its longest axis North & South. Measuring interiorly some 79 ft. [feet] by 59 ft. [feet] and surrounded by a stone wall some 6 ft. [feet] in thickness at base but now reduced to its foundations. On the West side, at the base of an outcropping rock which rises to a height of some 4 feet, a small boatshaped enclosure has been formed by a curving wall resting on the inner side of the ^ main wall, with a length of 17 ft. [feet] and greatest breadth of 9ft. [feet] Partially cut into by the South end of this compartment & also built against the main wall is another and circular enclosure measuring intern: :orly some 25 ft. [feet] in diameter. The main enclosure has been entered from the E. [East] the the inner circle from the same direction: : no entrance is now apparent into the compartment at the base of the rock. [Continued on page 21]
gb0551ms-36-47-21 [Page] 21 [Continued from page 20] [Opposite page] sketch plan This enclosure was excavated in 1910 by Mr. A.H. Bishop and the only relics discovered were some stone pounders which lay in the boat-shaped chamber. Between the enclosure and the road to the northward lie some three or four small cairns. Fort East Earshaig Unnoted This fort is situated about 3/4 mile to the East South East of Earshaig on the South side of the road from Beattock and a short distance to the Westward of the Marchdyke. It occupies the top of a ridge which stretches to the S. [South] West, protected by a deep ravine on the South East severing it from the higher ground beyond. The bank of the ravine drops sharply with an elevation of some 30 feet, and at the North East end the ridge grows suddenly steep at the opening of the ravine, but elsewhere from the crest the ground dips with an easy gradient. The form of the fort is a semicircle with its chord resting on the edge of the steep bank in direction from N [North] East to South West containing an interior area measuring 158 feet by 98 ft. [feet]. From the South West end round to [Continued on page 22]
gb0551ms-36-47-22 [Page] 22 [Continued from page 21] the centre of the curve where has been the entrance towards the North West three walls have defended the area but on the Northern arc round to the North East the intermediate wall has been dispensed with, The innermost wall as are the other, in a complete state of ruin has measured some 5 ft. [feet] in thickness the second wall of similar thisckness has been situated some 8 ft. [feet] distant from the former, while the outside wall 8 ft. [feet] in thickness has lain some 60 ft. [feet] beyond that: the distance between the two walls of the Northern arc is some 70 ft. [feet]. The entrance some 9 ft. [feet] in width as it leads through the outer wall passes directly to the interior. As the inter: :mediate wall approaches the entrance it makes a sudden outward curve and contains between it and the inner line what appears to have been a guard chamber measuring some 21 ft [feet] by 15 ft. [feet]. Similarly the inner wall as it approaches the steep NE. [North East] end of the site makes a reversed curve and on the end of it is formed another small chamber measuring some 10 ft. [feet] by 5 ft. [feet] which has flanked what appears to have been a minor entrance [Continued on page 23]
gb0551ms-36-47-23 [Page] 23 [Continued from page 22] or postern appraoched by a track up the bank. At the North East end the line of the outer wall may be traced by the large stones which have been in its lowest course, passing across the low ground below the culmination of the ridge. This fort has been planned by Mr. Bishop. Fort ? Staneshiel Rig. This fort is situated on the West end of the Stanesheilrig at an elevation of [blank] over sea level within 100 yds [yards] of the March dyke to the West of it and somewhat less than 1/4 mile South of the road from Beattock to Kinnelhead. It has been an approximately circular enclosure measuring in diameter 132 ft. [feet] by 142 ft. [feet and like the other forts in the neighbourhood has been surrounded by a stone wall, now greatly dilapidated and in places entirely torn out, which has measured from 9 ft. [feet] to 10 ft. [feet] in thickness at base. The entrance, 8 ft. [feet] in width, has been from the North West In the interior, which is fairly level there have been several small cairns two of which were excavated during an examination of the fort by Mr. A.H. Bishop who found [Continued on page 24]
gb0551ms-36-47-24 [Page] 24 [Continued from page 23] A broad stony mound or dyke comes over the moorland from the South west and meets the wall on the south side of the entrance. Numerous small cairns occur on the moor to the North-Eastward between the fort and the road at an elevation of some 800 ft [feet] over sea level Some of these I believe were excavated by Mr. A.H. Bishop who found nothing within them in the shape of either cist or relics. 24 Sept. [September] 1912. Enclosure Meikleholmside On a plateau on the western slope of the Annan valley some 3/4 mile North North West of Meikleholmside and at an elevation of 700 feet over sea level are the remains of and oval enclosure lying with its main axis NNW. [North North West] and SSE [South South East] and measuring in diameter some 149 ft [feet] by 113 feet. It has been surrounded by a single stony mound now of low elevation and much spread. The interior rises to a ridge crossing the centre from North to South and the lower part of the area on the West is completely overlooked by the higher ground outside and immedi; ;ately adjacent. On the East there is a steep descent from the plateau to the bottom of the valley. [Continued on page 25]
gb0551ms-36-47-25 [Page] 25 [Continued from page 24] Fort Gardenholm On the right bank of the Annan about half a mile below Gardenholm are the remains of a small fort. Its site is a slight promontory formed on the river bank by the bed of a stream flowing into the Annan on the North and by a trench-like hollow opening across the face of the bank on the South. The elevation above the river is some 12 to 15 feet and above the burn a few feet less. The fort, sub-oval in form measuring in diameter 80 ft. [feet] by 76 ft. [feet] has been surround: :ed by a single stony rampart now at no point more than 18 inches in height and some 6 to 7 ft [feet] in breadth. Sheep folds now occupy the interior and a road way appears to have been cut through it. Bell Moffat Serving as the bell for the town clock of Moffat is a bell taken from the old Tolbuith - measuring in height to the cannon 1' 7" and in diameter at the mouth 1' 4" Braised onto the side a little above the middle of the bell a number of small rectangular plates containing initials and a coat of arms the former measuring about 1in. [inch] in height and the latter 2 1/2 ins. [inches] in height by 1 5/8 ins. [inches] in breadth. The initials in relief. [Continued on page 26]
gb0551ms-36-47-26 [Page] 26 [Continued from page 25] [Opposite page] Photo of arms at Poldean pasted in opposite p. [page] 45. are WIL and EIH, the date 1660. The arms are those of Lord Hartfell by whom the bell is said to have been presented and are blazoned there: a saltire, on a chief three cushions, for Johnstone - all beneath an Earl's coronet. Moffat Churchyard Built into the remaining fragment of the South wall of the church which stands in the old churchyard beneath a raking cornice are two shields bearing arms - Dextes - beneath the initials AI. - a saltire 3 cushions in chief, in base a heart. Sinister beneath the initials N.D. 3 piles in chief three mullets, in base a heart. Beneath the date 1665. Wamphray Arms Poldean Built into the front of the farm house of Poldean in Wamphray parish beneath a bow window on the South side of the doorway is a panel measuring 1.9" by 1.5" on which are carved identical arms and initials. The stone is said to have come from a former house of Poldean. Moffat Churchyard Built into the inner face of the South wall is a small heraldic monument beneath [Margin] Omit a raking cornice and entablature on which is a shield bearing Johnstone Arms differenced with a mullet above & below the saltire and what [Continued on page 27]
gb0551ms-36-47-27 [Page] 27 [Continued from page 26] [Opposite page] [Sketch/drawing inserted] appears to be a garb on either side Meg ? Todd's Mote Moffat Situated some 300 yds [yards] South of the Moffat Mote. and 100 yds [yards] or thereby to the East of Ballplay Road are the remains of a small oval en: :closure on the summit of a hillock which rises some 15 to 20 ft [feet] above the lowest level of the field, with steepish slopes to North and South. The enclosure has lain with its longest axis East and West and measured in diameter 66 feet by 48 ft. [feet] The summit has been levelled, but under the action of the plough all other traces of art have disappeared Fort (site) Well burn Moffat On the rising ground immediately behind the well house at Moffat and bordering on the West bank of the burn is the site of a fort. The remains consist of a segment of a stony rampart towards the edge of the burn with a portion of what appears to have been a semi lunar outer court at the South end. The interior does not appear to have been hollowed by excavation Fort (site) Well burn Moffat On the higher slope about 100 yds [yards to the North West and about 50 feet higher in elevation are the remains of another fort which appears to have been enclosed by a stone wall. The outline is now difficult to [Continued on page 28]
gb0551ms-36-47-28 [Page] 28 [Continued from page 27] to follow but there is evidence of two or three subsidiary hollowed enclosures at the North end in one of which a large quantity of road metal has been collected Foundations Auldton On the farm of Auldton where the Grey Gill burn passes out of the moorland, and on the cultivated ground are remains of what is believed to be an old mill and its associated buildings. On the North west side a deep artificial hollow with a narrow outlet at its lower end has seemingly been the mill pond for containing a head of water. 26 Sept 1912 Fort Knock Hill (K'patrick [Kirkpatrick] Juxta Par [Parish]) The Knock Hill is a long and somewhat narrow crested ridge forming the watershed between the Kinnel and the Annan and lying parallel with the former stream some 3/4 mile west south west of Kirkpatrick Juxta Church. Just beyond its highest point and on the Northern termination of the summit and at an elevation of 780 ft [feet] above sea level are the remains of an oval fort lying with its longest axis North and South and measuring interiorly in diameter 152 ft. [feet] by 103 ft [feet]. To Northward the ridge drops with an easy descent for 150 yds: [yards] on the West except at the South end where the highest point of [Continued on page 29]
gb0551ms-36-47-29 [Page] 29 [Continued from page 28] the hill overlooks the interior from a slightly superior elevation, there is a steep decline of some 30 feet to gentler slopes: to the East with a fall of some 12 to 15 feet the ground slopes away in similar fashion, while to the Southward the ridge stretches away for a considerable distance. Around the interior of the fort there has been a rampart of earth and stone now reduced to a very low elevation, while in front of it some 29 ft. [feet] distant at the South end and similarly placed, but on a slope, to the North is an outer stony mound, possibly a wall, covered by a trench now shallow some 23 feet in breadth, in places cut through rock. Along the steep flanks these outer defences do not seem to have been continued. The main entrance has been from the East through the rampart at a low level, and towards the South West a gangway leads over the trench to the actual summit some 30 yds [yards] distant. At the South end towards the East side the interior has been hollowed by excavation to a depth of about 5 feet and at the edge of the hollow these formed [Continued on page 30]
gb0551ms-36-47-30 [Page] 30 [Continued from page 29] there lies a stony mound with a depression on the top which may possibly be the remains of a hut. The greater part of the fort is now within a wood. Cairn (site) About 1/2 mile South South West of Craigielands hill the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] marks a cairn in a grass park to the South of two small square plan: :tations. The original cairn, evidently a large circular one has been almost en: :tirely removed at some time in the past, and on its site another is in course of erection from cartloads of pebbles gathered off the field. Fort Kinnel Water Kirkpk [Kirkpatrick] Juxta Par. [Parish] The fort is situated on a grass grown rocky eminence which rises to a height of some 40 feet above the brown benty moorland, a short distance back from the right bank of the Kinnel Water, 3/4 mile to the North West of Stiddrig and at an elevation of some 600 feet above sea level the enciente forms an oval lying with its longest axis NNE. [North North East] and SSW. [South South West] measuring interiorly 221 ft. [feet] by 130 ft. [feet] surrounded by a wall of moderate sized stones now ruined and spread over a space of 26 feet but which appears originally to have had a breadth of 10 ft. [feet] [Continued on page 31]
gb0551ms-36-47-31 [Page] 31 [Continued from page 30] The centre of the fort is a slightly elevated rocky plateau and crossing the area at either end of this some 73 feet from the South end and 52 feet from the North are the remains of divisional walls. That towards the South is somewhat indefinite and has probably been less massive that the other. The North one on the other hand differs little, if at all, in character from the main defence of the enclosure showing like it an original breadth of 10 feet. and from the manner in which the Northern segment of the latter junction with it on either side it is possible that the Northern enclosure was a later extension or an annex for cattle. The main entrance has probably been from the East adjacent to a modern sheep shelter. On the right of it on entering lie the ruins of a small oblong structure measuring interiorly 27 feet by 12 feet: the wall of which appears to have had a breadth at base of some 6 ft. [feet]. There is no passage from the central area to the Northern annex but the latter is entered from the outside on the East immediately to the North of the Northern [Continued on page 32]
gb0551ms-36-47-32 [Page] 32 [Continued from page 31] cross wall, faced along the North side of the entrance by a large slab some 4 ft. [feet] long laid on its edge (of entrance to fort above Loch Brora Sutherland) On the highest point of the interior there are indications of one or two circular foundations. On the exterior from a point opposite the end of the North cross wall on the West side a wall evidently ancient, if not contemporary runs down towards the Kinnel some 60 yards distant. Directly to the North of the fort across a slight hollow lie 3 or 4 small cairns and to Eastward of the fort another group lie adjacent to a bridge across the stream. Fort Stiddrig This fort is situated about 1/4 mile to the East S. [South] East of Stiddrig on the Northern ter: :mination of a long irregular ridge which mounts upwards from the West bank of the Kinnell Water and commands a prospect far up beyond the sources of the stream over miles of moorland stretching to Queensberry Hill on the Western horizon Its elevation is some 700 feet above sea level. From the site of the fort the hill descends steeply except towards the South whence a long hollow leads from the side of the enciente overlooked by a higher eminence on the West. [Continued on page 33]
gb0551ms-36-47-33 [Page] 33 [Continued from page 32] The fort is oval inform lying with its longest axis North and South and measures interiorly some 180 feet by 123 feet in diameter. It has been surrounded in part apparently by a wall and in part by a stony rampart the region of the latter being where the foreground is more assailable and here in addition a trench has been excavated. The entrenched area appears to have amounted to about a quarter of the circumference viz. from East to South. The trench which on the East side has a breadth of some 30 ft. [feet] from crest to crest and depth of 8 feet below the top of the scarp and 4 feet below that of the counterscarp with a mound to the outside at that point lies at the base of the rampart, but as it passes along the South end across the hollow it makes somewhat of a divergence possibly to contain a spring or water hole for the ground is wet at this place leaving a berm intervening between it & the rampart. The rampart appears to have borne a parapet wall some 6 ft. [feet] wide Along the West and North sides the wall which existed there appears to have had a breadth of 10 feet - it seems to have been a "rickle" construction. At the North end some [Continued on page 34
gb0551ms-36-47-34 [Page] 34 [Continued from page 33] 46 feet out the terrace has been formed by digging with a breadth of 8 or 9 feet. There have been two entrances one near the middle of the East side opening into the lowest level, flanked on its Northern side on the exterior by a projecting tongue of rock on the top of which are suggestions of stone work, the other on the West side. To the right of the latter on entering the rampart makes a slight inward curve perhaps due to the thickening of the wall for a distance of some 30 feet the removal of stones from which sug: :gests the site of a hut, or possibly a hut has existed at the spot forming a guard chamber. 27 Sept 1912 Wamphray Par [Parish] Laverhay Note A carved armorial panel at Poldean seen of on this day is described on p. 26. On the Western slope of Laverhay Height and on the South side of a hollow down which flows the Thor Beck to join the Wamphray Water lies a small rectangular fort incomplete and seemingly never having been finished. It is distant about 1/2 m. [mile] N. [North] from Laverhay and lies at an elevation of some 700 feet above sea level. It lies on falling ground and is entirely overlooked [Continued on page 35]
gb0551ms-36-47-35 [Page] 35 [Continued from page 34] from the higher ground to the East there being a fall across the interior area of 1 in 7. The enclosure measuring some 109 feet from North to South by 106 feet from East to West faces the glen of the Thor Beck on the North from which it is distant some 50 feet at the North East angle and 20 feet at the North West and has been surrounded except as after noted by a flat bottomed trench 24 feet wide from crest to crest, 3 feet deep at most below scarp and counterscarp, with a mound on both sides, that on the scarp some 3 feet high above the interior and that on the counter: :scarp 18 ins. [inches] to 2 feet high. On the East the outer mound above a rather long counterscarp is evidently secondary as it crosses the trench at the North East corner and similarly traverses it at the North West angle: it has probably been a feal dyke connected with a number of others crossing the slope to the South or passing up & down the hill. The trench does not appear to have been fully dug out on the East side and on the West the defences are only continued for a [Continued on page 36]
gb0551ms-36-47-36 [Page] 36 [Continued from page 35] distance 40 feet from the Northwest angle beyond which the ground maintains its natural gradient and condition. K'partick [Kirkpatrick] Juxta - Mote Coates Hill On the South West slope of Coates Hill at an elevation of [blank] ft. [feet] above sea level, over: :looking the valley of the Evan which flows by at the base of the hill on the South East, is a Mote Hill commanding a distant prospect over Upper Annandale. It appears to be to some extent an artificial mound of earth and small stones as far as its composition is ascertainable from surface breaks, but as the ground around rises towards it, it has doubtless a natural eminence as its core. In form it is oblong lying with its main axis East by North, and South by West, and rises to a height of 16 ft. [feet] at either end, measuring over its level summit some 40 feet by 35 feet, with a projection to the West at a slightly lower level for some 24 feet. Extending past both ends at base but not carried along the sides further than on the East side the length of the projecting spur is a trench some 30 feet in width, very shallow at the West end and [Continued on page 37]
gb0551ms-36-47-37 [Page] 37 [Continued from page 36] some 6 feet in depth at the East. There is a slight parapet on the edge of the summit at the East end. 30th Sept. 1912 Dornock parish churchyard Some 40 feet to the South of the East end of Dor: :nock parish church there lie East and West three richly carves coped stones. The stone nearest to the church has suffered much from exposure to the elements and its carving which has been similar in character to that on the two other stones is greatly worn away. It is partially underground and measures 6ft. [feet] 7 ins. [inches] in length: The second stone, some 6 ft [feet] to the South of the last measures 6ft [feet] 9 ins. [inches] in length, 1'11" in breadth at base, 5 ins. [inches] across the flat top and 1 feet in breadth on each side. Along each side it is ? divided into 4 panels those on the North side containing a fleur de lys carved in high relief, two designs being twice repeated, and on the South while three contain fleur-de-lys in this case combining with oak leaves, the fourth panel encloses a cross within a quatrefoil. The East end of the stone is carves with a floriated device and the West with a shafted cross. [Continued on page 38]
gb0551ms-36-47-38 [Page] 38 [Continued from page 37] The third stone is enriched with similar though not identical ornamentation and measures 6 ft. [feet] 5 inches in length, 1 ft. [foot] 9 1/2 inches in breadth at base 8 inches across the flat top and 1 ft [foot] 1 inch in depth. It differs from the others in having a prominence at each end, some 10 inches in length and 3 inches in height and from the last stone in being undecorated at the ends. Each stone appears to have rested on four small round pillars with square caps several of which remain. On the top of the stones at the East end holes have been sunk as if for an iron post. Locally these stones are said to cover the remains of three chieftains slain at the battle of Swordwell ?16th cent [centuty] on O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map. in the wars of Independence, I think, but the story is no doubt in print. 1st Oct. [October] 1912 Gretna Par [Parish] Standing in a field directly to the North of Westhills farm buildings and some 80 ft. [feet] distant from the back wall of the farm house is apparently a Roman altar. Its extreme height above ground is 3ft [feet] 9 ins [inches] 3 ft [feet] 2 " being the portion applicable to their "die" and ^ 7 ins [inches] to the cornice or capital: its breadth 2 ft. [feet] 3 ins[ inches] across the capital, and 1 ft [foot] 11 ins [inches] across the die, while [Continued on page 39]
gb0551ms-36-47-39 [Page] 39 [Continued from page 38] [Opposite page Photograph inserted] the thickness of the latter is 1 ft [foot] 8 ins [inches]. The focus which is regularly formed with a tranverse hollow on either side measures 1 foot in diameter. The altar bears no inscription but on one face is an incised figure with three tongues somewhat resembling a bench mark beneath what appears to be the letters L L placed back to back and separated by a square compartment containing a cross. The farmer declared that an excavation to a depth of six feet had failed to reveal the base of the stone and that a pair of horses had been unable to displace it. Westhills moss On the North side of the moss rises a grassy hillock to a height of 8 to 10 feet marked on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map as a fort. There are no remains of fortifications around it but at the North West end there lies across it a trench some 184 ft. [feet] in length, 30 feet in width and 6 feet in depth, not carried forward to the edge of the hillock on either side. [Margin] (Omit) In the garden of the farm house are two circular stone basins with diameters respectively of 1 ft. [foot] 9 ins [inches] and 2 ft. [feet] 2 ins [inches] each having a conical boss in the centre. The depth [Continued on page 40]
gb0551ms-36-47-40 [Page] 40 [Continued from page 39] is only some 7 inches, and the walls are thin One basin shows a regularly formed lip, It's dif: :ficult to say what these have been but it is probable that they belonged to the garden of a tower which once stood here (See notebook for fuller details if required). Gretna Par [Parish] Lochmaben Stone Standing on a slightly rising ground within ? 300 yards of the Solway and from the farm buildings of Old Gretna is a huge granite iceborne boulder measuring 18 ft. [feet] 2 ins. [inches] in circumference and 7 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] in height At 76 ft. [feet] distant to the NNE. [North North East] lies a second and much smaller stone measuring only some 3 feet in height. Presumably these stones are the remains of a stone circle of which all the other stones have long since disappeared. The larger boulder is a historical relic of no inconsiderable interest and full information regarding it will be found in Dr. [Doctor] George Neilson's brochure "The Lochmaben Stane" and Sir Herbert Maxwell's History of Dumfries &c. Gretna Green Churchyard Some 80 feet to the South of the East end of the Church lies a slab dated 1650 bearing Johnstone arms and [Continued on page 41]
gb0551ms-36-47-41 [Page] 41 [Continued from page 40] an inscription for the most part illegible but which commences:- Sad our of death reward of sin Both good and bad drinketh therein witnes Johne Johnstone herein under scripted whose bones &c Adjacent lies an early coped stone on the flattened ridge of which are incised two parallel lines but no sign of a cross appears at the end of them. Fort Douglas Farm This fort lies about 1/4 mile to the South west of Douglas Farm and is situated at the edge of a bank which falls to a hollow on the South and South West by an easy gradient for some 30 feet. It is an oval entrench: :ment lying with its longest axis North East and South West, measuring interiorly 176 feet by 151 feet, and surrounded by a flat bottomed trench some 28 feet wide and 5 to 6 feet deep at greatest depth with an earthen mound forming the counterscarp. On the North East are the remains of a parapet mound which else: :where around the periphery has dis: :appeared. Somewhat to the North of the centre the interior area is crossed [Continued on page 42]
gb0551ms-36-47-42 [Page] 42 [Continued from page 43] [Opposite page Photograph inserted] by a slight hollow possibly secondary opening into the trench at the East end. At its West end the trench is partially filled in and to the north of the filling its breadth reduced to 10 feet but there is no break in the counterscarp mound opposite to indicate an entrance. A break through the counterscarp at its East end appears to be undoubtedly secondary. Mossknow Kirkpatrick Fleming The doorway into the garden at Mossknowe was removed from a previous mansion house taken down in the latter half of the 18th century. The lintel measuring 3ft [feet] 10 ins [inches] by 8 ins [inches] bears at one end a thistle and at the other a fleur de lys and is inscribed MWG MI 1663. Soli Deo Honor & Gloria. The initials stand for the names Mr William Graham and Margaret Irvine his wife. Above the panel is a cornice of dog tooth enrichment Hog-backed stone remains of In the garden at Mossknow there lies the central portion of a hog backed grave stone measuring 2 feet in length 10 inches in depth and 1 foot in breadth at base. It is carved on one side with interlaced ornament formed of two intertwining cords from which proceed short divergent branches terminating either [Continued on Page 43]
gb0551ms-36-47-43 [Page] 43 [Continued from page 42] in discs or barbed points ^ The other side is divided by incised lines into four horizontal bands. Along the crest is an ornamentation formed of three interlacing cords. The stone was recently found while a drain was being dug at the bottom of the garden. Cairns site About 100 yds [yards] to the North West of the saw mill at Mossknowe is the foundations of a cairn. Cairns Mossknow Situated some 40 yds [yards] to the South of the road from Beltenmount Bridge to Rig and about 1/2 m. [mile] due South of Mossknow is a cairn which was excavated in 1908 by Miss Dorothea M. A. Bate. The cairn is circular with a diameter of some 50 ft. [feet] and elevation of about 4 ft. [feet]. Beneath the stones that formed the cairn near the centre was found a layer of clay, a foot thick, and yellowish in colour, which contained a large quantity of quartz. On the removal of the clay there came to light a slab 5ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] in length by 2 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] in breadth lying roughly East and West be: :neath which was a second and larger slab measuring 7 feet by 4 feet, the cover of a cist 22 ins. [inches] deep, 23 ins. [inches] wide and 4 ft [feet] 3 ins [inches] long. The joints were carefully plastered with clay and the bottom was covered [Continued on page 44]
gb0551ms-36-47-44 [Page] 44 [Continued from page 43] with some 3 inches of clean river gravel on which lay the remains of an unburnt interment. No trace of pottery, flint, or metal was found. Some 180 yards South West of the last mentioned cairn on slightly rising ground is a large circular cairn measuring 66 feet in diameter and from 5 to 7 feet in height. It had been pillaged to some extent on the south side and several cartloads of stones have been removed from the top but the interment is probably still undisturbed. Cairn Polgill In cultivated land some 300 yds. [yards] South by East of the East lodge of Robgill stands a cairn overgrown with grass and surmounted with trees having a diameter of 90 feet and elevation of 12 feet. A small amount of stone has been removed at some distant date from the side but it appears to be unexcavated. 2nd Oct. [October] 1912 Built into an old summer house about 100 yds [yards] to the West of Knockhill house are a number of sculptured fragments and two inscribed Roman tablets. The fragments have evidently formed part of a large medieval cross decorated with panels and medalions containing sacred representations [Continued on page 45]
gb0551ms-36-47-45 [Page] 45 [Continued from page 44] [Opposite page Photograph inserted] of similar character to the Ruthwell Cross. The two principal are:- No.1. a Medallion 12 ins. [inches] in diameter on the edge of which is shown seated a representation of our Lord. No.2. a medallion 13 inches in diameter containing a figure of the virgin. The other pieces contain small figure subjects as well as specimens of interlaced work, foliaceous as well as zoomorphic but until they have been removed from their present unsuitable position it is not possible to describe them accurately. The two Roman tablets which were brought originally from Birrens are both described & illustrated in the account of the excavtion of that place by Soc. [Society] of Antiquaries (Scot. [Scotland]) Hoddams Chruchyard At the side of the churchyard wall in the field on the East lies a massive socketed base for cross - 3ft [feet] 8 ins [inches] in length, by 2 ft. [feet] 9 ins. [inches] in breadth, chamfered at the angles. The socket which is a square of 1 ft [foot] 7 ins [inches] measures 5 ins [inches] in depth. Cross slab At the base of the wall of the remains of the old church on the North side of Hoddam graveyard lies a cross slab, oval in outline, surrounded by a raised border and having carved [Continued on page 46]
gb0551ms-36-47-46 [Page] 46 [Continued from page 45] [Opposite page 2 photographs inserted] upon it in relief an equal limbed trefoil hollow angled cross set over a shaft rising from a stepped base. ^ The trefoil occupying the whole angle from the outer extremities of the limbs. The slab measures ? 5 ft [feet] 9 1/2 ins. [inches] in length, 1 ft [foot] 3 ins [inches] in greatest breadth and tapers somewhat to the lower end. The cross with shaft end base has an extreme length of 5ft. [feet] 3ins. [inches] and a breadth across the arms of 11 ins. [inches]. Another slab also carved with a hollow angled equal limbed cross on a shaft lies adjacent. It has been broken across but the lower end of the slab which does not rise from a stepped base lies near it. [Margin] (omit) Towards the west side of the churchyard and opposite the gate lies a slab measuring 3' 9" by 1' 11" by 7" showing very distinctly in slight relief a circle 7" in diameter and one half of what might be mistaken for the spectacle symbol. The marks are of natural formation. On an upright slab, sunk to a great extent, standing 35 ft. [feet] in from the gate of the churchyard on the West, and a little to the North of a position ex adverso of it is rudely incised a galley measuring 7 ins. [inches] by 9 ins. [inches]. [Continued on page 47]
gb0551ms-36-47-47 [Page] 47 [Continued from page 46] Repentance Churchyard Within the churchyard beside Repentance Tower and some 80 feet to the SE [South East] of it stands a grave stone on which is carved a representa: tion of Adam and Eve being tempted by the serpent. On the back of it is inscribed "Here lyes Janet Rae spouse to George Douglas in Trailtrow she died 14 March 1739 aged 72 also George Douglas her husband leat Smith in Trailtrow he dies 26 March 1768 aged 100". This stone was described by D. Christison and illustrated in the Proceedings. Fort Dalton site This fort has occupied the summit of a prominent hillock which rises to a height of some 30 to 40 feet overlooking the road between Kirkwood Lodge and Dalton village. The site is under cultivation and except for a slight bank which drops with a long scarp for some 4 or 5 feet of elevation to a shoulder on the West there is no trace left of defences. The O.S. [Ordnance Survey] shows the fort as oval measuring [blank] by [blank] Standing Stone Dalton Village Standing in the centre of Dalton village is a four sided pillar 6 ft. [feet] 5 ins. [inches in height above ground. The story connected with it told to me by the blacksmith, a reliable [Continued on page 48]
gb0551ms-36-47-48 [Page] 48 [Continued from page 47 looking man, whose informant was an old woman (93 when she dies) an eyewitness, was that it had originally been brought to repair the old church but not being used was left lying for long in front of a cottage door whence it was placed in its present position one New Year's Day. Mr. Murray of Murraythwaite regards this tale as very doubtful and the pillar is not of such a nature as would suggest its suitab: :ility for church repairs. Cummertrees Par. [Parish] Moss Castle Murraythwaite Within a thick fir plantation about 1/4 mile South by West of Murraythwaite House is a circular enclosure with a diameter of [blank] (O.S. [Ordnance Survey] Measurement.) surrounded by a bold rampart of earth and stone some 5 ft. [feet] in height above the general level of the interior and attaining to its greatest height on the exterior towards the West where it is 9 feet high, with a trench in front some 32 ft [feet] in width from crest to crest but now very shallow and a mound above the counterscarp. The entrance has been from the East - approx: :imately 7 feet in width at the lowest point of the interior and some 3 ft. [feet] below that of the highest part. [Continued on page 49]
gb0551ms-36-47-49 [Page] 49 [Continued on page 48] Carved lintel Murraythwaite Built into Murraythwaite House above the South garden door is a stone on which are carved the initials W M and I.G, for William Murray and Jean Greirson, and the date 1660. Above on a pediment shaped stone are two shields bearing arms. Dexter: 3 mullets, Sinister 3 cushions. 4th Oct. [October] 1912. Kirkpatrick Fleming Fort Sprinkell Situated in a thick plantation and about 1/2 mile to the South East of Springkell House is an oval enclosure measuring some 2' in height on interior face, (O.S. [Ordnance Survey] measurements) surrounded by an earth and stone bank some 5 feet in height on the exterior and 20 feet broad at base having in front of it a slight & very narrow trench which is probably modern. Along the South arc there is a banket on the inner part of the rampart some 6 to 7 feet wide. Near the centre of the South side there is a break in the rampart not, however, sunk to the level of the interior and on the East there approaches the enciente from a North-Easterly direction a bank some 11 feet in breadth. The situation is the end of a slight ridge at an elevation of some 300 feet over sea level. Kirkcormell Churchyard Springkell Lying some 30 feet S. [South] of the East end of the church lie four slabs of red sandstone varying from 5 ft. [feet] 11 ins. [inches] to 6 ft. [feet] 5 ins. [inches] in length and [Continued on page 50]
gb0551ms-36-47-50 [Page] 50 [Continued from page 49] [Opposite page photograph inserted] and from 2 ft. [feet] 2 ins [inches] to 2 ft. [feet] 4 ins [inches] in breadth. The most Southerly bears the date 1632 the initials A R. and a large broad faced axe, with a skull and cross bones at the foot. On the stone next adjacent is a similar axe but the inscription is illegible, the third stone bears the date 1660 and initials I T. while the fourth shows initials J. M and date 1632. Birrenswark must be described in detail from the Antiquaries Report. The redoubt at the West end is so places as to command the lower slopes of the hill on the West, and an extensive view across Annandale. Middlebie Carruthers Old Churchyard In the wall of the old graveyard of Carruthers situated some 200 yds. [yards] S. [South] by East of Crowdie Knowe Farm and in the lowest course on the right side of the gate is a slab 5 ft. [feet] 4 ins. [inches] in length by 1 ft. [foot] 7 ins [inches] in breadth on which is incised an equal limbed cross of Maltese form 1 ft. [foot] 7" in length set upon a stem, the whole 4 ft. [feet] 5 ins [inches] long. Forming the gate post on the left side of the entrance is a richly carved slab partially hidden by an iron stop for the gate (see MacGibbon's photo &c.) On the South West corner lies a Norman [Continued on page 51]
gb0551ms-36-47-51 [Page] 51 [Continued from page 50] piscina in form of an inverted scolloped capital measuring 1ft. [foot] 7 ins. [inches] across the base 1 foot across the top and 1 ft. [foot] 2 in [inches] in height Blinkbonny On information supplied by Sir Edward Johnstone Ferguson I visited some large stones [Margin] (Omit) standing in a moss 1/2 m. [mile] to the East of Blinkbonny in Half Morton Parish. Though their position and arrangement are peculiar I concluded that both were due to natural causes. They appear to be a small group of ice borne boulders. 4 Oct 1912 Mote of Annan The mote has been planned by Mr. MacGibbon It is in the garden of a villa on the North side of the town of Annan some [blank] yds. [yards] back from the North West corner of the Market place. A low meadow from which it rises with a steep scarp now intervenes for a distance of 100 yds. [yards] or thereby between it and the river Annan. The Mote from the Northern extremity of the construction rising to an elevation of [blank] and measuring [blank] across its level summit [blank], while separated by a broad trench the base court extends Southward for a distance of [blank] in an irregular oblong expanding from a breadth of [blank] at its Northern end to [blank] at the South end and at an elevation of [blank] above [Continued on page 52]
gb0551ms-36-47-52 [Page] 52 [Continued from page 51] the meadow on the West and [blank] above the higher levels on the East on South. ?The Mote has been surrounded on the sides away from the river by a trench as also probably was the base court but the lines of the whole construction have been seriously interfered with in the formation of the villa garden shrubbery and paths. Dalton Fort "Rangecastle" Holmains This fort occupies the summit of a prominent hillock rising from moorland about 1/4 m. [mile]. East South East of Holmains farm. A shoulder projecting to the East is cut off by the surrounding trench to be hereafter described, while to the South East an eminence rising to a higher elevation is separated from it by a natural hollow From the summit of the hillock the ground falls by a steep declivity towards the North East and though in the other directions the gradient is easier it is still considerable. The main defence of the fort consists of a trench cut through rock for the most part, with an average breadth of 30 ft. [feet] from crest of scarp to that of counterscarp and a depth of 7 to 8 feet and seemingly surmounted on the scarp in places by a stony parapet mound. Within the trench the ground rises to the summit rather abruptly on the East to a height of 15 ft. [feet] [Continued on page 53]
gb0551ms-36-47-53 [Page] 53 [Continued from page 52] and by a longer slope on the West to a height of 20ft. [feet]. The area enclosed is pear shaped coming to a point towards the South and measuring [blank] by [blank]. A deep hollow forms a recess in the summit area on the North end. Some 45 ft. [feet] back from the trench on the west, 90 ft. [feet] on the South and 104 ft. [feet] on the East, has been a wall running Southward from the edge of the recess on the North and thence from the South end Northward following the crest of a steep natural scarp forming the last side of the summit. Some 70 feet within this wall on the West and 81 ft. [feet] on the South & [resting] on the previously mentioned ^ wall on the East, an inner wall is met with of low elevation & greatly dilapidated encircling the actual summit which measures some 86 ft. [feet] by 79 ft. [feet] in diameter. The main entrance passes over the trench on the West on unexcavated ground with a width of 27 ft. [feet] & 11 ft. [feet] as it passes thru' the mound ^ above it and proceeds by a track up to the steep slope to pass through the intermediate wall being faced where it does so by a rocky out: :crop which continues to flank it as it turns in a Southerly direction. There appears to have been a "postern" on the South where a gangway crosses the trench in front of a point of rock to either side of which the track bifurcates. A third entrance seems to have existed through a narrow gap opening into [Continued on page 54]
gb0551ms-36-47-54 [Page] 54 [Continued from page 53] the recess on the end of the hillock. The fort commands an extensive prospect to the North at an elevation of [blank ] Mouswald Fort (site) Burnhill Burnhill is a slight natural eminence rising to a height of some 15 ft. [feet] above the adjacent ground - now partially occupied by a school and cottages. Only at the North angle is there any trace of handiwork where about halfway up the bank there appears a small portion of a terrace some 20 ft. [feet] in width. Tumulus Situated on Rockhall moor about 3/4 m. [mile] to the North of Blountfield is a low circular stony mound 36 ft. [feet] in diameter overgrown with long heather showing two or three small hollows in the interior and one or two large stones on the circumference It is probably the site of a cairn but there is a possibility of it being a hut circle the condition of the the heather however makes it impossible to determine. Some 30 yds. [yards] due North is a small oval depression with a slight bank around it, measuring some 16 ft. [feet] in diameter over all. This has the appearance of a small hut circle The following should be examined Rockhall House the greater part of which is of 17th cent. [century] date though much altered: Tinwald House at the lodge of which there [Continued on page 55]
gb0551ms-36-47-55 [Page] 55 [Continued from page 54] is a fine coat of arms I am told; forts on Hettand Hill 1/4 m. [mile] to the North of Morison House, and Panteth Hill about 1/4 m. [mile] NNE [North North East] of Mouswald Manse, respectively: both indicated on my 1" map. The above information supplied by Mr Reid, of Mouswald Place. The same authority believes that there is a mote about 1/2 m. [mile] North by East of Ryemuir, Lochmaben Parish close to the road from Torthorwald. 5 Oct. [Octover] 1912. Lochmaben Par [Parish] Rockhall Mote The mote of Rockhall situated within a wood about 1/4 mile to the North of Rockhallhead occupies a strongly defensible position at the edge of a bank which falls away on the West and North West with steep declivity for 80 feet or thereby. To Eastward a tolerably level stretch of ground of some 100 yards intervenes between the site and rising slopes of the moorland beyond. The mote is in form a truncated cone formed on a slight eminence of rock, with an altitude of 20 feet on the West and 15 feet on the East and completely surrounded at base by trench, cut through rock, 20 to 22 feet in width at the level of the crest of counterscarp and varying in depth from 4 to 5 feet. The summit [Continued on page 56]
gb0551ms-36-47-56 [Page] 56 [Continued from page 55] measures some 26 ft. [feet] by 20ft. [feet] in diameter, it is now very uneven on the surface and has been considerably broken down on the North. Beyond the encircling trench, toward the North East lies a small base court, flanked by the steeply falling ground on the West and rising some 5 to 6 feet above the surrounding level on its other outer sides. On the East, at the base of the scarp, there is a hollow which may indicate a trench around it while on the North within the wood there is a similar indication. Along the East side of the base court a long hollow of diminishing depth leads inward from the North and possibly formed the approach to the mote. The shape of the base court seems to be that of an irregular oblong measuring 65 ft. [feet] by 60 ft. [feet] with a point projecting to the West following the curve of the trench around the hillock. On the South East there is a low traverse across the trench at a height of 2 feet above the adjacent floor and 3 feet below the crest of the counterscarp. The mote is formed of earth with a considerable amount of flat stone which is exposed when the scarp is broken. [Continued on page 57]
gb0551ms-36-47-57 [Page] 57 [Continued on page 56] Dalton Par. [Parish] Cairn On an eminence rising from a ridge on Dormont Moor, and about 1/2 mile West South West of Holmain is a cairn with a diameter of 70 feet which has evidently been systematically excavated. To the South of the centre a large upright slab is partially exposed with a breadth of 3 ft. [feet] 9 [inches] ins which has apparently formed the end of a cist or chamber which it is impossible to say in the present dilapidated state of the cairn. Fort. (site) Rockhallhead. The farm house and steading of Rockhall- head evidently stands upon a fort, the stony rampart of which cutting off the termination of the ridge which forms the site is still visible at one or two places on the South and S East. 6 Oct. [October] 1912. Stone Circles & Marjory's Cross (Remains of) Woodhead Dornoch On the boundary of the parishes of Dornoch and Annan between two plantations and about 1/4 m. [mile] West by South of Woodhead Cottage the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] Marks "Stone Circle and Marjory's Cross (remains of)." These now consist of two granite boulders some 11 ft. [feet] 6 ins [inches] apart the largest of which is some 3 feet in height above ground. [Continued on page 58]
gb0551ms-36-47-58 1913 Ap [April] 24th Left Edinburgh yesterday & came to Staple: :ton for a few days to complete my survey in this neighbourhood. Middlebie Par. [Parish] Fort Purdomstone (Unnoted) On a bluff immediately adjacent to the South end of the Annan waterworks near Purdomstone farm and contained in a loop of the Middlebie Burn are the remains of a small quasi rectang: :ular oblong fort lying with its longest axis North & South. The South end rests on a steep bank some 20 ft. in height overlooking the stream: on the East the ground from the fort falls sharply away, on the West side lies a hollow gradually deepening as it approaches the face of the bank on the South; towards the North the original contour of the ground and the lines of the fort have been destroyed by the waterworks. Along the East and West sides are the remains of an earthen rampart, showing a breadth at base of some 16 ft; [feet] and low in ele: :vation, and there is an indication of its continuance along the South end. The length of the enceinte as remaining is 173 ft., its breadth at the S. [South] end 110 ft. [feet] and at the N. [North] about 126 ft. [feet] The situation is about 1 1/4 m. NNW. [North North West] of the Roman [Continued on page 59]
gb0551ms-36-47-59 [Page] 59 [Continued from page 58] fort of Birrens and though there is no positive evidence of a Roman origin, its position and the regularity of its lines are such as to make it worthy of notice. This fort was pointed out to me by Major Critchley of Stapleton. Here I left Critchley & went on with Mr Bell-Irving of Whitehill to see a so-called stone circle at Winterhope head. He enlightened me concerning the circles with feal banks which I have noted in this county especially in the Eastern districts and his statement was corroborated by his aged shepherd. They were in wont to be erected as recently as 60 years ago and their purpose was to protect hay ricks from the sheep. "Hay stells" they are called. Dunnabie Fort unnoted About 1/2 mile due north of the farm of Dunnabie, on a somewhat level bench on the hill side, some 150 yds back from the high way near the junction of the roads from Langholm and Waterbeck and at an approximate elevation of 60 ft. [feet] above it is fort. It lies on the South side of a small glen down which there flows a burn. The form is approximately circular flattened on the North by the [Continued on page 60]
gb0551ms-36-47-60 [Page] 60 [Continued from page 59] glen of the burn, and it has been surrounded by a broad earthen rampant now much ploughed down, and except on the S. [South] by a trench. Where the trench opens onto the bank of the burn on the upper and lower faces of the enceinte it is broader and deeper than elsewhere on the periphery, showing on the West side a breadth from crest to crest of 42 ft. [feet] and a depth of 16 ft. [feet] below the top of the scarp. The interior diameter has been some 132 ft.[feet] Standing stone Winterhope-head (Unnotted) On a knoll on the left bank of the Kertle some 300 yds. [yards] to the South West of the farm there has been recently erected a standing stone some 5' 9" in height above ground which was brought from a spot where it originally stood in a moss about 1 1/4 miles to the North East of its present position. The two large stones which may be seen on the moor a short distance to the North East have also been recently set up on end. There is no evidence to warrant the supposition that they have formed part of a stone circle. Temple Hall Waterbeck To the East of the house of Temple hall at Waterbeck belonging to Major Carlisle and rising from the edge of the burn is a large flat topped mound which has [Continued on page 61]
gb0551ms-36-47-61 [Page] 61 [Continued from page 60] certainly been shaped to some extent by air. It does not seem to be a mote hill as its elevation on the side towards the house is only a few feet though on the other three sides it has somewhat of that aspect. Major Carruthers has a nice triangular perforated axe- -hammer some 6 or 7 ins. [inches] in longest diameter. Mr. Bell-Irving informed me that a cairn like monument which I had noted in front of a farm about 1/4 mile to the East of Ecclefechan was opened some years ago by a Lady, when it was found to be formed entirely of earth. Nothing was found within it. Kirkpatrick-Fleming Par. [Parish] Robgill On an angular promontory to the North -West of Robgill Tower bounded on the South East by the Robgill and on the North by the haughland by the side of the Kirtle above which it has an elevation of from 40 to 50 ft [feet].] is a promomtory fort. In form the enceinte is triangular contained by a single trench which passes in a curve from the side of the gill to the edge of the bank overlooking the Kirtle, having had a slight rampart on the scarp probably surmounted by a narrow [Continued on page 62]
gb0551ms-36-47-62 Page 62
gb0551ms-36-47-62 [Page] 62 [Continued from page 61] stone parapet. On the counterscarp there is also evidence of stonework but without excavation it is not possible to say whether there has been a stone revetment or a cresting wall. A well defined road- -way leads up from the low ground on the North and where it passes through the trench at its outer edge. Two large stones 2'.8" and 2'.2" broad respectively stand facing each other 10ft. [feet] apart, while a row of stones set on end, the highest protruding only some 18 inches marks its edge on the NE [North East] as it passes through the rampart and a single stone on the opposite side shows the breadth as 9ft [feet] 8 ins. [inches] The bisectional diameter of the fort through the apex of the triangle is 180ft [feet] while along the base is measures some 123ft [feet]. The trench has a breadth of 32ft. [feet] from crest to crest to the North of the entrance and 35ft. [feet] to the South while its average depth below scarp and counterscarp is some 5ft. [feet] Along the top of the bank over against the Kirtle there appears to have been a track leading out of the trench into the interior. [coninued on page 63]
gb0551ms-36-47-63 [Page] 63 [Continued from page 62] 25th Ap. [April] 1913 Fort Trohoughton Dumfries Par. [Parish] This fort is situated on the crest of a ridge at an elevation of [blank] above sea level some ? 2 1/2 miles to the South East of Dum: :fries on the road to Bank-end and commanding an extensive prospect all around. It is a circular enceinte measuring in diameter 189 ft. [feet] by 198 ft, [feet] surrounded by a single trench with a breadth of some 33ft. [feet] and at its most a depth of 7ft. [feet] below the scarp and 4 below the counterscarp, and supplemented by an inner and outer rampart of earth. Somewhat less than half of the fort is in cultivated land under plough and here the defences have been much reduced. Kelwood "Mote" Situated immediately to the South of the Glen of the Kelwoodburn and some [blank] yds. [yards] East of Kelwoodburn Cottage are the remains of a small circular fort. It lies on cultivated land and is under plough. It appears to have been surrounded by a single rampart and trench. The interior which is on falling ground is somewhat basin shaped dipping towards the centre from the sur: :rounding rampart. The contour of [Continued on page 64]
gb0551ms-36-47-64 [Page] 64 [Continued from page 63] the rampart is now somewhat indefinite but the diameter appears to have been some 150ft. [feet] Caerlaverock Situated some 300 yds. [yards] N [North] by W. [West] of Wardlaw fort which overlooks Caerlaverock Castle is the site of an earthwork. It has been almost entirely obliterated by the plough and only at the north end does any traces of it remain - and that a short ill-defined stretch of a straight rampart with a slight depression in front of it to indicate a trench. were it not for a dip in the field dykes this fragment might escape observance. I visited the site as Mr Shirley of the D.& G. Arch. [Dumfries and Galloway Archaeological] Society told me that the late Mr. Barbour had expressed the opinion that this fort presented more Roman characteristics than any Roman fort which he know not definitely ascertained to be Roman. He also was reported to have said that the foundations of buildings were recognisable within it. Mousewald Fort (Unnoted) On the brow of the steep brae which rises above the Free Church Manse of Mouswald and at the South end of the High Plantation is a small circular fort, at an elevation of some 400 feet over sea level. In daimeter it has measured some 200 ft. [feet] and it has been [Continued on page 65]
gb0551ms-36-47-65 [Page] 65 [Continued from page 64] surrounded by a single rampart & trench, the latter some 27 ft. [feet] in width. The defences have been much destroyed and to a small extent entirely demolished towards the East. the rampart is little more than a glacés and the trench is only apparent at one or two places in the periphery - (Mr Reid drew my attentions to this fort. Mousewald Church Effigy In passing Mousewald Church I got down to take a glance at this effigy of Sir Simon Car: :uthers. It lies in an angle between the ? Church & some outbuilding, and between the figure and the wall some disused iron water gutters have been thrown. As this is one of the few effigies in Scotland it deserves a little better treatment than is being meted out to it. Dalton Par. [Parish] Fort silo Morrison Ho. [House] Above the steep slope which rises from the Dumfries & Annan Road just by the farm to the Westward of Morriston House is the site of a circular fort now only discernible by a slight glaces where a rampart has been. On getting back to Stapleton I learned that the Controller of the Stationery office could see me in London on Monday afternoon regrading the illustrations for the Stewartry vol. [volume] The Office [Continued on page 66]
gb0551ms-36-47-65a [Page] 65a [Continued from page 65] through their Edinburgh clerk having said that our plans were useless for reproduction & our photos 'bad'! Left Stapleton early on Sat. [Saturday] morning & travelled to London and Sat. [Saturday] night. Went to the stationary Office with Lord Guthrie & had a pleasant & satisfactory meeting with the Controller at the Scottish Office that afternoon. Returned to S. [Stationery] Office on Tuesday morning, had a long interview with Sir James Dodds re secretaryship of the Commission & directorship of the National Museum of Antiquities: Met Mr. Mackinnon Wood, Secretary: returned North with J on Tuesday, and came down to Dumfries on Wednesday being joined there by Mr. J. Garham Callander who has been appointed Archeo: :logical expert to the Commission. 1st May 1913. Kirkmahoe Called on Mr. Forbes the Minister who drew my attention to a rampart in the field adjacent to the Manse. Fort. In a meadow which lies across the road immediately to the NE. [North East] of the Manse of Kirkmahoe are the remains of a large earthwork. The site is a plateau overlooking low lying marshy ground on the S. [South] East and bounded on the [Continued on page 66]
gb0551ms-36-47-66 [Page] 66 [Continued from page 65a] North West by a steep bank some 20ft. [feet] in height rising from the low haughland which stretches to the Nith some half a mile distant. The visible remains of the fort consist of two sides forming at their junction almost a right angle but with the corner rounded and their angle pointing toward the South East. The South side as far as complete extends from the roadway to the angle, a distance of some 217 ft. [feet] while the East side extends from the angle to a point, which appears to mark its termination some 60ft. [feet] back from the road passing the entrance to Carzield, a distance of 241 ft. [feet] The defence has consisted of an earthen rampart with trench in front now much altered by the action of the plough. Some 54 ft. Northward of the angle a gap in the East rampart has probably been an entrance. Fort Castlehill. This fort occupies the summit of a round topped grassy eminence lying to the North of the glen of the [blank] burn & immediately North by West of Castlehill House. In plan the enceinte is oval lying with its longest axis North & South and measuring some [blank] by [blank]. The situation is by [Continued on page 67]
gb0551ms-36-47-66a [Page] 66a [continued from page 66] nature a strong one, having on the South the glen of the burn, on the North a deep hollow, and lesser hollows in the undulations of the terrain on the flanks. Except on the South and West sides the slopes of the hillock show no signs of handiwork being steep by nature and affected by centuries of ploughing. A narrow segment on the South has been cut off by a dyke & lies within a wood, and here the defences consist of a slight inner rampart crowning a scarp some 6 to 7 ft [feet] in height, and below a trench some 20 broad and widening as it passes westwards. In places it has been filled up to a considerable extent so as to present the appearance of a terrace, but as it passes Westward the trench becomes clearly defined with a slight mound forming the counterscarp. It does not appear to have been continued along the steep North face. The entrance, which is from the South West, is distinctly visible, opening into a slight depression, above it the hillock rises gradually to a height of 12 ft. [feet] the fort commands an extensive prospect [Continued on page 67]
gb0551ms-36-47-67 [Page] 67 [Continued from page 66] down Nithsdale. The rampart has probably been an earthwork. Standing Stone. Castle Hill. Situated in a meadow some 300 yds [yards] to the East of Castlehill is a standing stone, 3ft. [feet] 6ins. [inches] in height above ground, 2ft. [feet] 10 ins. [inches] in breadth and 1ft. [foot] 6ins. [inches] in thickness. the fact that the small circular plantation immediately adjacent goes by the name of "Peerie's Kist" is not without significance. The stone is just such a boulder as might have been a member of a stone circle. Stone fort. High Townhead On a promontory overlooking the broad valley of the Nith from its Northern wall, some ? 250 yds. [yards] South East of the farm of High Townhead, and at an elevation of [blank] above sea level, is a small stone built fort. The situation is a strong one with descending slopes all round except to the North East where the ground mounts upward. On plan the fort is oval following the contour of the summit which it occupies, and, with its longest axis North East and South West, measuring some 163ft [feet] by 109ft [feet] over its in: :terior area. A broad stone wall, now greatly delapidated, encircles this area resting on the edge of a steep bank on the West, and supple: :mented towards the North East where most [Continued on page 68]
gb0551ms-36-47-67a [Page] 67a [Continued from page 67] readily assailable, at a distance of some 33 ft. [feet], by an outer wall or strong rampart now over: :grown with grass, terminating on the N. [North] side of the entrance which faces the South East, and along the Southern arc, where the gradient immediately in front is easy, apparently by three outer walls. The innermost of these three is clearly observable along its whole course and is distant from the main wall some 9 to 10 feet. The two outer walls are only to be seen stretching for a short distance Westward from the entrance. Elsewhere they have been entirely eradicated but it is probably that they were carried round the South front to meet the face of the steep bank on the West. The entrance has been approached by a passage, with a built wall on each side, 12 ft. [feet] wide measured at a spot where both walls are evident, and traceable outwards for a distance of 95 ft. [feet], its commencement being probably some 16 ft. [feet] further on where the end of the outermost wall is situated. At the actual entrance to the interior the mass of debris indicates that the walls of the passage, [Continued on page 68]
gb0551ms-36-47-68 [Page] 68 [Continued from page 67a] or of a gateway at this point, have been thicker and probably placed closer together. Within the interior several hut foundations are evident. One of these in the North East segment is circular with an approximate diameter over all of 20ft. [feet] another towards the South West appears to consist of two small circular contiguous enclosures: one just inside the entrance with a diameter over all of 15 ft. has possibly been placed in this position to act as a guard chamber. On the North East, beyond the second wall, a modern field dyke bounds the fort. In the cultivated land across it all trace of any outer defences which may have existed on this arc have been obliterated, but the continuation of the North wall of the entrance passage to such a distance as it is outward, would indicate that the outer defences still traceable on the Southern arc had originally been carried round this face also. Vitrified fort. Mullach. This fort occupies the summit of a prominent hill commanding an extensive prospect over the vale of the Nilth and round the hills of the Stewartry that hem in the county on the West. The enceinte appears to have been elliptical in form with its longest axis ? NNW [North North West] and SSE. [South South East], measuring [blank] by [Continued on page 68a]
gb0551ms-36-47-68a [Page] 68a [Continued from page 68] and diminishing slightly towards the latter extremity. From the South the interior rises gradually to the highest point with an elevation of some 20 ft. [feet] and towards the North it presents a somewhat rocky escarpment. It is surrounded except on the North where the foreground is more broken than on the rest of the periphery by two concentric walls, now greatly delapidated & anything from 90 to 100 ft. [feet] apart. The inner wall only is continued round the North. A narrow gap through the walls, from the South East probably marks the position of an entrance. The present appearance of both walls is that of a low structureless mass of rather small broken stones, among which may be seen numerous pieces of calcined stone, and less frequently more occasionally, specimens of vitrification. At one spot in the outer wall a large mass of vitrified stone is visible apprently at the base of the wall, firmly embedded, and protruding through the surface debris. It is impossible to estimate the extent of vitrification in these walls without spadework but it is noteworthy not only that it is to be found on the ruins of both walls but also that it is in walls [Continued on page 69]
gb0551ms-36-47-69 [Page] 69 [Continued from page 68a] lying at a considerable elevation below that of the actual summit of the hill within the fort, which being a mass of rock would be admirably suited for a beacon fire. The elevation of the hill above sea level is [blank] ft. [feet] and the nearest point to the shore of the Solway [blank] miles distant as the crow flies. Closeburn Par [Parish] Lower Auldgirth Adjacent to the farm of Lower Auldgirth are the ruins of a small keep consisting of portions of two contiguous walls some 3 ft. [feet] 6 ins. [inches] in thickness. The basement has been vaulted with a simple barrell vault. 2nd May 1913. Tinwald Par [Parish] Fort (site) A second lovely morning. Called for the Rev. [Reverend] Forbes the parish minister. The fort on the hill 1/2 mile North West of Armfield is a mere site. Closeburn Par. [Parish] Cairn Knockenshang. Some 200 yds [yards] SSE. [South South East] of the summit of the hill which overlooks the road from Annandale into Nithsdale by Loch Ettrick, half a mile west of the farm of Knockenshang and just under an altitude of 900 feet over sea level there is a large oval cairn, overgrown with grass except at the North end where the stones are exposed. It measures 93 feet from North to South by 84 feet from East to West and rises to a height of 5 ft. [feet] Though a slight [Continued on page 69a]
gb0551ms-36-47-69a [Page] 69a [Continued from page 69] excavation has been made in it at the North end the internment does not appear to have been disturbed. I sent Callander to visit & describe the foregoing while I visited a cairn marked on the opposite side of the valley. The "tumulus" notes on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map on the summit of the hill acrossthe valley to the W.S. [West South] West is now a low stony mound with a diameter of some 8 ft. [feet] and having a few large stones lying on the surface. Kirkmahoe Small cairns & hut circles. Glenmaid On the west side of the long plantation which to the Westward of Glenmaid runs North and South along the edge of the moorland at an elevation of some 800 ft. [feet] over sea level on a stretch of moor sheltered by rising ground on the North and West is a group of small grass grown cairns low in elevation and with an average diameter of from 15ft. [feet] 16ft. [feet] Associated with them are several circular stony hut founda: :tions not at measurable. One of these oval in form measures 13 ft. [feet] by 10 ft. [feet] 6 in [inches] and was apparently entered from the East; another towards the North end [Continued on page 70]
gb0551ms-36-47-70 [Page] 70 [Continued from page 69a] of the area lies with its longest axis E. [East] and W [West]. and appears to have been long and narrow, the interior breadth indicated being from 6 to 7 ft. [feet] and the length possibly 18 ft. [feet] Several of the sites have the appearance of denuded cairns, the interior, however, is usually at a lower level than that of the natural surface outside. On the higher ground to the North of this area and in a more exposed situation are a number of cairns measuring some 14 to 17 ft. [feet] in diameter, formed of moderate sized stones and for the most part reduced to ground level. Small cairns & Hut circles Whitestanes Moor. Near the center of the Whitestanes Moor some 300 yds [yards] to the South East of the highest point known as Cocklet Hill and at an altitude somewhat over 800 ft. [feet] above sea level is a considerable group of hut circles and associated small cairns. A hut circle at the lower edge of the group is of oval form measuring interiorly some 16 ft [feet] by 14 ft. [feet] with walls of indefinite breadth, and apparently entered from the South East. Near the position of the entrance stands a rough boulder 2 ft. [feet] 3 ins. [inches] in height and some 4 ft. [feet] broad. Lying to the North East of the hut circle are two very distinct small cairns measuring some 15 ft [feet] in [Continued on page 70a]
gb0551ms-36-47-70a [Page] 70a [Continued from page 70] diameter and 1 1/2 ft. [feet] in elevation, the nearest some 30 ft. [feet] distant and the other about a like distance further away. Some 40 ft. [feet] to the North of the last hut circle lies another of the same oval form, but slightly smaller, also apparently entered from the SE. [South East]. Directly behind the first mentioned circle is another measuring interiorly some 13 ft. [feet] in length but of indefinite width, the floor of which is sunk from 1 1/2 to 2 ft. [feet] below the surrounding natural level. A small cairn lies some 15 ft. [feet] directly behind it. Also in rear of the first circle some 70 ft. [feet] back lie the remains of another which is much dilapi: :dated, which is 12 ft. [feet] to the N.W. [North West] of it is a small circular hollow measuring interiorly some 6 ft [feet] in diameter and disclosing building on the inside face. Its floor is likewise sunk about 1 ft [foot] beneath the natural level. at 70 ft. [feet] or thereby further to the N.W. [North West] lie the foundations of a small oblong building measuring in the interior some 10 ft. [feet] 9' by 6 ft. [feet] and having a floor also sunk about 1 ft. [foot] The remains of several other hut circles are to be seen at a slightly higher elevation and associated with them a number of small cairns [Continued on page 71]
gb0551ms-36-47-71 [Page] 71 [Continued from page 70a] are clearly distinguishable by their rounded contours. Shaws Moor Sm. [small] Cairns & hut circles At the South West side of the Watchman Moor and at an altitude of some 600 ft over sea level, on a low ridge which lies to the West of the Dunoon Burn about 1/2 m. [mile] South East of Shaws is another consider: :able group of small cairns with a few as: :sociated hut circles of small size and with sunk floors. Two of the cairns have quite recently been dug into but no record of any observations appear to have been made. The minister informed me that the depredators were the local schoolmast and farmer. Watchman Hill. - Shaws Moor At the South end of Watchman Hill just below the summit level and an [sic] an elevation of a little less than 800 feet above sea level is another small group of cairns similar to the foregoing and on the upper side of the group three or four hut circles the largest of which is circular with a diameter of 15 ft. [feet] Sm. [Small] Cairns &c. Gledenholm Moor. On the West face of a long ridge lying to the East of a damp hollow on the East of Watch: :man Moor is another group of hut circles with associated small cairns. The hut circles appear to be of small dimensions and like the others in this neighbourhood sunk a foot or so in the ground. [continued on page 71a]
gb0551ms-36-47-71a [Page] 71a [Continued from page 71] Gledenholm cup shaped hollow Close to the dyke which separates the strip of wood to the South West of Gledenholm from the moorland and some 350 yds. [yards] S. [South] of a long wood running from SW. [South West] to N.E. [North East] is a curious cup shaped hollow 2 ft. [feet] in depth and 7 ft. [feet] in diameter which appears to be built around the interior. I don't think this is an ancient monument but I am at a loss to guess what purpose it served. Gledenholm Sm. [Small] cairns & hut circles 3 May. 1913 Another small group of hut circles and cairns lies on rough pasture about 1/4 mile SSW [South South West] of Gledenholm. A hopelessly wet day. Wrote up my notes all forenoon & in the afternoon went to Capenoch to pass the week-end with the Gladstones. 5th May 1913. Callander came from Dumfries in a car and met me. Among my letters was one from Mr. MacKinnon Wood, Secretary for Scotland, offering me the post of Director of the National Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh. Penpont Par. [Parish] Grennan Hill Fort. On a shoulder of Grennan Hill overlooking the valley of the Scar Water which flows by some 200 ft. [feet] below is a small fort at an altitude of some 500ft. [feet] above sea level. The actual site is a rocky hillock [Continued on page 72]
gb0551ms-36-47-72 [Page] 72 [Continued from page 71a] lying with its main axis NNW [North North West] and SSE. [South South East] measuring some 152 ft. [feet] in length by 62 ft. [feet] in breadth with an elevation from 12 to 14ft. [feet] above the general surrounding level except on the West where the ground falls away in a steep gradient to the base of the hills. The summit is oval in form and has risen by an easy slope from the Northward, while towards the South it terminates in a wall of rock. The defence consists of a trench some 35ft. [feet] in breadth and at most some 16ft. [feet] in depth commencing at the brow of the steep declivity on the West and carried thence round the East side to terminate at the commence: :ment of the wall of rock at the South end. The spoil of the trench has been thrown up to form a rampart above the counterscarp, while a parapet mound crowns the scarp at the North end. The trench has evidently in places been laid out through rock and at its Southern termination it has been slightly expanded and at the date of the visit at this point it contained a deep pool of water. The end of the trench is covered by a return of the rampart to the hillock. A well defined approach leads to the summit past the end of the trench entering into a slight hollow at the lowest [Continued on page 72a]
gb0551ms-36-47-72a [Page] 72a [Continued from page 72] point of the interior of the fort. Flanking the Southern side of this approach a low bank is observable abutting on the rock face and seeming to pass in a curve with a greatest depth of 30 ft. [feet] round to the West forming a small enclosure at the base of the rock. Except, adjacent to the entrance to the fort however, this out: :work is somewhat ill defined. The summit of the hill does not appear to have been artificially levelled, but there are some three slightly hollowed circular areas which may be hut sites and facing the valley of the Scar water at the North end of the hillock is a more considerable hollow which likewise appears to have been artificially formed. This fort is unnoted on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] Maps & was first observed by Gladstone who drew my attention to it. Along the West flank of the isolated summit which rises about 1/4 mile to the East of Grennan Hill is a slight trench with a well defined scarp on the upper side and a slight mound on the counterscarp, occurring about halfway up the slope of the hill. The [Continued on page 73]
gb0551ms-36-47-73 [Page] 73 [Continued from page 72a] trench is lost as it passes round the South end and cannot be traced over the summit to the North. The position of an entrance through this con: :struction is evident directly S'SE [South-South East] of Grennan Hill. There are a number of low banks running about this hill which seem to be the remains of old feal dykes and though this entrenchment is more prominent I can hardly regard it as a permanent defensive work. Tynron Par [Parish] Old Auchen: :brack. Small cairns On the South West face of Cairney Knowe a grassy brae that lies between the shepherd's house at Old Auchenbrack and the Appin Lodge hedge is a group of small cairns varying in diameter from [Margin] unnoted. 12ft. [feet] to 18ft. [feet] lying at an elevation of from 800 to 900 ft. [feet] over sea level. There is also the foundation of a larger cairn measuring some 26 ft. [feet] in diameter. Craigencoon Hill. Cairns remains of. unnoted On the summit of Craigencoon Hill are the remains of a large circular cairn, now reduced almost to ground level, which has measured in diameter some 82ft. Several large stones still stand on the periphery suggesting that its outline has been marked in this manner. Possibly the interment has not been disturbed. Cairns. Craigencoon unnoted Some 300 yds. [yards] directly in front of Craigencoon and some 75 yds [yards] distant from the road are the remains of a large cairn which has [Continued on page 73a]
gb0551ms-36-47-73a [page] 73a [Continued from page 73] measured in diameter some 52 ft. [feet] There has evidently been a cist in the centre which has been rifled. (unnoted.) Cairn Remains of Gledbrae Holmhouse On the East side of the loaning, the old road from Holmhouse to Moniaive bearing the name of the Gledbrae, are the remains of a very large cairn greatly delapidated and which has measured in diameter some 93 ft. [feet] by 87 ft. [feet] Its periphery has been marked by large boulders a number of which still remain in situ. In its present condition it is not possible to tell whether this cairn has contained a cist or chamber. Two large stones stand a little to the north of the centre protruding above the debris & seemingly in situ which suggest the latter but without excavation it is impossible to arrive at a definite conclusion (unnoted). It came on very wet when we were at the last cairn. The cairns described above were all mentioned to me by J M'Cargo, the wandering clock-doctor of Kirkpatrick Durham. The old Statistical refers to a vitified con: :struction in which a number of interments were found at Pingarie but I can find out nothing about it now. [Continued on page 74]
gb0551ms-36-47-74 [Page] 74 [Continued from page 73a] 6th May 1913 A doubtful morning but started in the car. It soon began to rain & when we reached our first objective it was coming down very heavily. We sat in the car at Springfield hill farm hoping for some improvement but as after a wait of about 2 hours none came we donned our burburries & plunged into the fir wood which covered the fort. Fort, Springfield hill, Dunscore Par. [Parish] This fort is situated at an altitude of 600 ft. [feet] over sea level on the summit of Springfield hill some ? 80 yds [yards] to the Northward of the farm bearing that name and which lies on the side road leading from Holywood to Dunscore. The fort which is oval in outline has with its main axis NW. [North West] and SE [South East] and measures in the interior area some 250 ft. [feet] by 160 ft. [feet] Along the S.W. [South West] flank the ground falls away sharply but from the NW. [NorthWest] round by N [North] to the S.E. [South East] end of the fort the site has been more readily assailable. The interior area is enclosed at the SE. [South East] end by a broad rampart of earth and stone, rising at most some 5ft. [feet] above the interior level, and carried along the NE [North East] side for about one half of its length when it seems to terminate abruptly, owing, possibly, to the remainder having been pillaged for stones. Except at the SE [South East] end the outer defences, where they have occurred, have been obliterated by the plough and stone walls confine the fort to its interior lines. [Continued on page 74a]
gb0551ms-36-47-74a [page] 74A [Continued from page 74] At the SE [South East] end is the entrance, well defined, and passing directly inwards through a series of ramparts. On the right or North side on entering, there remains but a short portion of a single outer rampart which is returned to meet the inner rampart. On the South side the defences from the inner rampart outwards consist of a trench some 10ft. [feet] deep below the crest of the scarp, a broad ? banquette with a bold rampart at its edge, a second trench with a scarp having a vertical height of 10ft. [feet] and in front of it a third formidable rampart with a slight trench at its base. These defences pass round Southwards from the entrance and terminate where the slope of the hill becomes sufficiently abrupt to allow them to be dispensed with. As the outlook of the weather was hopeless we returned to Dumfries and I wrote up notes all afternoon. 7th May 1913 Dunscore Par [Parish] Fort Friars Carse This fort is situated about 1/2 mile to the Westward of the mansion house of Friars Carse on the top of a steep bank overlooking the Nith from the South at a point where the river departing from a Southerly course makes a sharp bend Eastwards. The fort is in form an irregular [Continued on page 75]
gb0551ms-36-47-74b [Page 74b] Carse On examining the curiosities which Mr Riddel had collected together on his romantic estate, we were struck with the appearance of a large Druid Circle, which at vast labour and expense Mr Riddel had had collected from different parts, such as masses of large blocks of whinstone, freestone, and which are arranged with great care and taste, so as to bear every appearance of a place of worship as used by those early and pious people: this Temple had the novelty of being set down on a British Camp, which itself is situated on the border of a declivity of a bend on the river Nith, to the West of the dwell: :ing-house, and is a strong position to prevent an enemy fording the water here or annoying this vicinity. We measured this strength, and found the diameter to be about 150 feet or 471 feet in circumference, with a fosse or ditch about 12 feet in width.
gb0551ms-36-47-75 [Page 75] [Continued from page 74a] oval lying with its longest axis NW. [North West] and SE., [South East] measuring interiorly some 161 ft. [feet] in length by 142 ft. [feet] in breadth at the centre, and broadening somewhat to its SE. [South East] ex: :tremity. From NNW. [North North West] round by N. [North] to the SE. [South East] the steep bank of the river affords a formidable defence. Elsewhere the area is bounded by a rampart rising but slightly above the interior, covered in front by a broad trench some 45ft. [feet] in width and 5ft. [feet] in depth beyond which rises a second rampart, now much worn down, with a slighter trench in front of it. The entrance has been from the East at a point where the bank on the North commences to slope steeply towards the river. The outer defences curve round the Southern half of the oval from the flank of this approach to the edge of the bank on the West. Within the fort has been erected an idealized stone circle an account of the erection of which is contained in a MS [manuscript] Journal entitled Antiquarian Researches by the late Thomas Johnston & under the date 1827. Mote. Dinning Closeburn Par. [Parish] This mote lies some [blank] yds [yards] North of the farm of Dinning and with its base court or bailey is fashioned on a long natural hillock lying NW. [North West] and SE. [South East] which rises out of a sketch of haugh: :land reaching to the nith about 1/4 m. [mile] to the West: :ward. The East slope of the valley commences to rise sharply some 50 yds. [yards] distant from the base of the hillock. From the SE. [South East] end [Continued on page 75a]
gb0551ms-36-47-75a [Page 75a] [Continued from page 75] the knoll rises gradually to its NW [North West] extremity. On which the mote itself has been erected. With the base court lying at its base on the SE, [South East], the whole construction occupies about 1/2 of the length of the hillock. In form the mote is a simple truncated cone composed, as far as it is possible to tell, of earth and rising to a height of some 14 ft. [feet] above the level of the base court, while a steep gradient with a vertical height of 45 ft. [feet] reaches to the base of the hillock on front & sides. On the terminal slope some 20 ft. [feet] up from the base is a slight terrace which is possibly artificial. The plat of the mote has been circular with a diameter of some 20 ft. [feet] with a shallow bowl shaped hollow the wall of which has been slightly broken down on the NW [North West]. The base court is oblong on plan, measuring 66 ft. [feet] in length by 57 ft. [feet] in breadth and is enclosed by an earthen rampart, somewhat slight on the sides but massive to the front, which impinges directly on the side of the mote hill uninterrupted by any intervening trench The entrance to the court has been through the centre of the SE [South East] front. A trench 34 ft. [feet] in width, 12 ft. [feet] in depth below the [Continued on page 76]
gb0551ms-36-47-76 [Page] 76 [Continued from page 75a] crest of the scarp and some 4 feet below that of the counter: :scarp has been dug across the hillock from side to side in front of the rampart at this end. There is no gangway across the trench which has probably been covered by a bridge or draw-bridge. Standing-stone Kirkbog. Closeburn Par. [Parish] (unnoted) On the crest of a broad backed ridge 1/4 m. [mile] East of the farm of Kirkbog stands a single upright whin: :stone boulder in the middle of a cultivated field. It measures 4 ft. [feet] 3 ins. [inches] in height and about 1/2 of its thickness has been broken off at no distant date. There is nothing in the character of the stone nor in its situation to contradict the statement in the History of Closeburn that originally there was a stone circle here. Fort. Gateside On a low plateau which rises some 8 or 10 ft. [feet] above the surrounding level and which crowns the top of a low steep slope rising from the road between merkland and Lower Halliday Hill is the site of a fort. The scarp to the edge of the plateau may have been shaped to some extent but otherwise there are no indications of defences. This plateau is somewhat pear shaped measuring 205 ft. [feet] or thereby by 170 ft. [feet] Entrenchment Cowhill Holyrood Par. [Parish] On the N. [North] face of a ridge lying along the right bank of the Nith, separated by a deep hollow from the plateau on which are situated the ruins of Cowhill Tower [Continued on page 76a]
gb0551ms-36-47-76a [Page] 76A [Continued from page 76] is a segmental trench some 15 ft. [feet] in breadth at the level of the counterscarp with a mound thrown up to the outside. It has been excavated on falling ground at the edge of the ridge so that the scarp has an elevation of from 8 to 10 ft. [feet] It is not continued round to the S [South] end of the ridge. We called on Mr. Smith the farm steward at Cowhill to take us to the earthwork. We saw his collection of prehistoric objects which in: :cluded some 6 or 8 discs of thin stone about the size of a penny piece: one of them showed a slight boring near the centre. These objects were found on the farm of Townhead near Thornhill. He possessed one good flat axe of bronze and a fair number of chipped flints found in the county some of them including a nice leaf shaped arrow head of small size got at Cowhill on the Avenue. Castle Dykes Dumfries The policies within the walls of this property contain the remains of the peel or Castle of Dumfries constructed by Edward I. as well as the remains of a construction known in his time as the setus castrum and re: :cognised by George Neilson situated, I believe, overlooking the river at the Western corner of the [Continued on page 77]
gb0551ms-36-47-77 [Page] 77 [Continued from page 76] property. The whole "plesaunce" has been greatly inter|: :fered with to increase its amenity in modern times. A mansion house has been erected on what was evidently a portion of the peel; part of the great ditch has been filled up and a garden lies on the site of it; paths and roadways have been excavated and mounds are said to have been erected so that it is very difficult to identify the original constructions. The "vetus castrum" appears to be represented by a small rocky eminence rising abruptly from the road which intervenes between it and the left bank of the Nith, and this appears to have been converted into a mote hill by levelling up the summit, by scarping the flanks and by cutting it off by means of a trench from a lower plateau on the SE. [South East]. Facing the river the frontage has no doubt been altered to some extent in the formation of the road and the rock has been exposed and cut back on the lower part of the slope. The flat is oval in form with its longest axis E [East] and W. [West] and measures some 76 ft [feet] by 44 ft. [feet]. The front of the plateau on the SE. [South East] facing this mote appears to have been dug into in more recent times and the trench which was probably continued right across this area destroyed. It is possible that this plateau, as its situation suggest, formed a base court [Continued on page 77a]
gb0551ms-36-47-77a [page] 77a [Continued from page 77] there is, however, no indication of a trench around N [North]. A steep slope on the West is an advantageous feature of the situation. The peel of Edward I has evidently occupied the highest portion of the grounds to the Eastward, lying NNW. [North North West] and SSE [South South East] occupying a plateau to some extent of artificial construction. The Northern half in which the house of Castle Dykes is built, though terminating in a somewhat steep slope towards the Nith, no longer bears any impress of its former character. The South half having a length of some 190 ft. [feet] from the carriage drive which forms the division, still retains much of its original fortified character. On the East side from a point adjacent to the entrance lodge running almost parallel with the road till it turns sharply to form the Southern extremity of the plateau is a bold trench measuring some 80 ft. [feet] in width at the top, and varying in depth from 20 ft [feet] to 30 ft. [feet] A small stream runs in the bottom of the this trench on the East and is conducted in a built conduit along a line which probably follows the continu: :ation of the trench Northward, turning to the West behind the Mansion house. The [Continued on page 78]
gb0551ms-36-47-78 [Page] 78 [Continued from page 77a] original length of the plateau is now indefinite but its breadth across the Southern half varies from 74 to 97 ft [feet]. Along the West side save for a slight hol: :low observable among the bushes to the SW. [South West] of the house the trench has disappeared, though the scarp of the peel is distinct along the Southern division. Near the centre of that side there projects a semi circular bastion with a terrace half way up its slope. This construction has at a lower level that the plateau from which it is separated by a carriage drive. It is doubtful if this is part of the original earthwork. There are numerous historical references to the castle of Dumfries and to the contstruction & maintenance of the peel and its garrison. These have been gathered together in an article by the late Mr Barbour printed in the Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Society's P Vol [Volume] xv111 pt. [part] 1 1905-1906 - Ibid xvii p. [page] 5 & 4. See also George Wilson's Peil &c all of which should be examined before this article is written up. 8th May 1913. Enoch Castle Site Durisdeer Par [Parish] The site of this castle is a four sided plateau strongly defended on three sides by the steep natural banks overlooking the glen of the Carron burn & a small feeder which flows by two sides of the site. On the fourth side a hollow way no doubt to some extent cut through the [Continued on page 79]
gb0551ms-36-47-78a [Page] 78a [Continued from 78a] rock leads down to the Carron. Nothing beyond the lines of the foundations beneath the turf remains visible. and a circular depression - evidently the well. Durisdeer Par [Parish] Fort - East Morton unnoted. On the left bank of the Carron Water by the edge of a cliff with an altitude of some 50 ft. [feet] above the stream, and half a mile to the South West of East Morton is a small entrenchment. The position is strongly de: :fended on two sides: On the N [North] by the deep glen of a burn and on the W [West] by the rocky wall rising sheer from the Carron. The enclosure is oblong set with its longest axis NE [North East] and SW. [South West] and measures 114 ft. [feet] by 82 ft. [feet]. It is enclosed on the E [East] & S [South] sides by a well defined trench some 24 ft. [feet] wide and 6 ft. [feet] deep supplemented by a rampart on the S [South] where the ground level declines while along the E [East] front in the interior there is also a low & broad bank above the scarp of the trench. Some 54 ft. [feet] back from the edge of the bank on the W [West] a roadway 14 ft. [feet] wide is carried over the trench on the S [South] at the natural level into the interior. A second break in the rampart and a gangway across the trench towards the NE [North East] corner are less clearly original. From in front of this gap a track leads down to the burn at the bottom of the glen on the N [North]. Towards the East the ground rises sharply immediately adjacent to the fort and completely overlooks it. [Continued on page 94]
gb0551ms-36-47-79 [Page] 79 [Continued from page 78] From the fort on the Carron Water we proceeded to Eliock to visit certain small cairns of which I had a note. They lay high up on a moor & before we left the road to mount the fields it was raining heavily & blowing a gale but I had not brought a car thus far to be turned again by rain & wind so when we had eaten our lunch we set out. I don't think in my five years' experience I have been out on a worse day the rain when we had to face the wind stung like pellets from a shot gun & very soon except beneath the firmly buttoned upper part of my burbury I was soaked. We had an uncomfortable drive home but a hot tub afterwards warded off any ill effects. Sanquhar Par [Parish] Deils Dyke Running across the Eliock estate to the S. [South] of Sanquhar is a low bank or dyke bearing the name of Celtic or Deils' Dyke on the maps. Its general direction is East to West from the Durisdeer parish boundary above Eliock wood and Ulzieside about where it appears to have turned sharply to the N. [North] for about 1 3/4 m. [miles]. Thereafter again assuming an E [East] to W [West] course it is lost by the edge of cul: :tivated land near the Polwarloch Burn about 1/2 m [mile] E [East] of the Ayrshire border 1/2 m. [mile] East of the Euchan burn. Its course is very irregular; it does not appear to select defensive ground, and it follows the Southern slope of the watershed at a distance of a mile or thereby from the crest. On the whole it is an inconspicuous turf bank but between the Twenty shilling & Elliock burns a foundation of somewhat large stones is exposed indicating a [Continued on page 80]
gb0551ms-36-47-79a [Page] 79A [Continued from page 79] breadth of 7 ft. [feet] Cairn. Remains of On Glengenny Moor at an elevation of some 880 ft. [feet] are the remains of a large cairn. From E [East] to W [West] it has measured some 86 ft. [feet] and from N [North] to S [South] 94 ft. [feet]: its elevation is now about 3 ft. [feet]. There is no evidence that the interment has been disturbed. Small Cairns Eliock On the moor about 1 mile due S [South] of Eliock House on both sides of the Deils Dyke and close to it is a group of some 15 to 20 small cairns. No hut circles are visible among them. The altitude at which they occur is between 800 and 900 ft. [feet] over sea level. 9th May 1913 Train to Sanquhar where we hired a trap. Called at the manse to see a cairn said to exist behind it. There is a large natural mound on the summit of which there may formerly have been a cairn but it is no longer there. The Minister Mr Wood has a large collection of church tokens & among them was a lead seal of the Abbey of Kilwinning. Obv [Obverse] a virgin & child. Res [Reverse] a bishop holding his crozier. The legend on former in black letter. S. Domini Abbatis conventus Monasterii de Kylwyngn - on the latter in English lettering S. Communi capituli Monasterii de Kilwynyng.
gb0551ms-36-47-80 [Page] 80 Blackaddie Inscribed Stone Built into the left wall of the passage leading from the square of the steading at Blackaddie Farm to the midden is a stone inscribed in black letters of which I made a rubbing not yet fully deciphered. A stone which I went to see at Drumbuie said to bear an effigy of a man was probably a fragment of an 18: cent. [century] tombstone and of no interest. Fort Southmains Elioch Situated on the haunch of the hill overlooking South Mains farm and about 1/2 m. [mile] S. [South] by W. [West] of it is a small entrenched earthwork In outline it forms an oval lying with its main axis almost N. [North] & S. [South] measuring over all some 190 ft. [feet] in length by 126 ft. [feet] in breadth. It is divided into two distinct divisions at about 1/3 of its length from the N. [North] end. The Southern division is a truncated oval or horse shoe shape surrounded by a trench some 34 ft. [feet] in breadth and 6 ft. [feet] deep. except where carried across to form the division & where it has a breadth of 20 ft. [feet] The area thus enclosed measures 89 ft. [feet] in length by 58 ft. [feet] in breadth. Around the periphery ex: :cept towards the N. [North] facing the other enclosure there us a parapet rampart. The interior except for a space of some 30 ft. [feet] at the S. [South] end. has been hollowed by excavation. The north enclosure is faced on its S. [South] aspect against [Continued on page 81]
gb0551ms-36-47-80a [Page] 80A [Continued from page 80] the dividing trench by a rampart and has also a rampart enclosing it to the outside. There is no indication of a trench around it and the interior area is sunk below the ground level on the W [West] or upper side. This enclosure forms a semicircle measuring interiorly 72ft. [feet] by 44ft. [feet] There is a very wide entrance into the main enclosure at the SE [South East] angle at the end of the E [East] side on unexcavated ground over the trench. On the thick turf in front of it there appear some lines suggesting foundations of a covering wall or bailey. There is now no visible entrance into the Northern enclosure. Mote Ryehill. Some 170yds [yards] to the SW [South West] of Ryehill Farm and on the edge of a steep bank which falls to the haughs to the North of the Nith is a knoll bearing the name of the Mote. It has the appearance of having been regularly scarped all round and presents a fairly level summit, but on the side away from the river it has an elevation of some 8 ft. [feet] and except where the ground dips on the NW [North West] side it does not attain to a greater height than 10ft. [feet]. There is no indication of a trench having existed [Continued on page 81]
gb0551ms-36-47-81 [Page] 81 [continued from page 80a] around it. The plateau had been under culti: :vation and with its longest axis NNW. [North North West] and SSE. [South South East] measures some 62ft. [feet] by 47 ft. [feet] From the East: :ward a hollow approach leads upwards onto the summit. The situation suggests a genuine mote but the mound is singularly low in height & there is no trench to compensate. Over the mantleshelf above the kitchen fire- -place in the Temperance Hotel at Sanquahar [margin] (omit) is a slab inscribed in incised lettering RF: EC . 1708 . J.F.M.W. O On Sat. 10th May I left Dunfries & returned to Edinburgh having finished my survey work of the Ancient Monuments. On Tuesday I indued Mr. J Graham Callander with my mantle, and sent him forth with the camera & satchel that I had carried so far and so frequently as almost to regard them as part of my clothing. At one time my ambition was to have seen with my own eyes everything worthy of notice in Broad Scotland, but the fates have decreed it otherwise and in a few weeks I shall be ensconced in Dr. [Doctor] Joseph Anderson's chair as Director of the National Museum of Antiquities. Amen!
gb0551ms-36-47-82 [Page] 82 MS/36/47
gb0551ms-36-47-83 [Page] 83 A. Auldton -- 28,10,9.
gb0551ms-36-47-84 [Page] 84 [Opposite page] B Beattock Hill -- 20, 18, 17, 16, 15, 11 Blue Cairn Kinnelhead --13 C. Chapel Hill -- 1. Coats Hill -- 36, 3, 2 Craighoar Hill -- 12. Craigielandshill -- 30. Carruthers Old Churchyard 50.
gb0551ms-36-47-85 [Page] 85 [Opposite page] D. Dyke -- 8. Dornock Churchyard -- 37. Douglas Farm -- 41. Dalton Village -- 47. E. Earshaig East -- 21, 14.
gb0551ms-36-47-86 [Page] 86 [Opposite page] F. G. Gardenholm -- 25. Gretna Green Churchyard -- 40.
gb0551ms-36-47-87 [Page] 87 [Opposite page] H. Hoddam Churchyard -- 45. I. J .
gb0551ms-36-47-88 [Page] 88 [Opposite page] K. Kirkpatrick-Juxta. -- 3. Kirkpatrick-Juxta Manse. -- 8. Kinnelhead. -- 13,11. Knock Hill. -- 28. Kinnel Water. -- 30. Knockhill House. -- 44. Kirkconnel Churchyard Springkell. -- 49. L. Lochan Burn. -- 13,12. Laverhay. -- 34. Lochmaben Stone. -- 40.
gb0551ms-36-47-89 [Page] 89 [Opposite page] M. Moffat Mote, --9. Meikleholmside. -- 24. Moffat Bell. -- 25. Moffat Churchyard. -- 26. Moffat, Meg? Todd's [Tod's] Mote. -- 27. Moffat. Fort (site). -- 27. Mossknow. -- 43,42. MossCastle, Murraythwaite. -- 48. Murraythwaite -- 49,48. Mc.
gb0551ms-36-47-90 [Page] 90 [Opposite page] N. O.
gb0551ms-36-47-91 [Page] 91 [Opposite page] P. Poldean -- 26,7,6 Q.
gb0551ms-36-47-92 [Page] 92 [Opposite page] R. Robgill. -- 44. Repentance Churchyard. -- 47. S. Staneshielrig [Stanshielrig]. -- 23,14. Stiddrig. -- 32. Springkell -- 49
gb0551ms-36-47-93 [Page] 93 [Opposite page] T. Tassies Height. -- 4. Tarnis Burn. -- 12 U.
gb0551ms-36-47-94 [Page] 94 [Opposite page] V. W Wamphray Parish. -- 26 Westhills. -- 38 Westhills Moss. -- 39