BrigantesNation

“The ritual complex at Sarn-y-bryn-caled is the most studied of the Welsh sites and a development sequence based on relative and absolute chronologies as well as site analogy has been proposed. The cursus appears to have been primary, attracting close to it’s NE terminal a horseshoe-shaped ring ditch, a substantial standing post and pits containing Peterborough Ware. These sites are followed by a hengiform ring ditch, a timber circle, two ring ditches, both of which show cropmark evidence for central pits, and a Beaker – associated henge. The complex was developed over the course of almost two millennia.”

Alex Gibson, Cursus monuments and possible cursus monuments in Wales.

This possible cursus runs for 130m on a SE-NW alignment, it’s ditches are 15m apart and there is a relationship with the River Wye.

This possible cursus runs for 120m on a SSW-NNE alignment. it’s ditches are 27m apart and there is a ring ditch close to the northern end.

This definate Cursus runs for 900m along a SE-NW alignment. It’s ditches are 14m apart and excavation has shown them to be 3, wide and 1.3m deep.

“NT 891453. Groat Haugh. Enclosures, cropmark. (1)

Sub-oval enclosure on terrace of River Tweed. Defined by a narrow ditch, with two broad entrances. The south east entrance has two pronounced inturns. Possible pits in the interior. Diameter less than 100m. Orientated c.north-west/south-east. Cannot be ruled out as henge-

related. (2)

The enclosure has opposed entrances aligned north west/south east. The ditches at the south east are inturned – a linear feature/ditch? There are two small ditched penannular features close by the west side of the main enclosure. (3)

Visible on a series of aerial photographs. (4)”

Source: Northumberland SMR

According to the SMR, the cropmarks of an enclosure matching a type II henge were revealed here.

According to the SMR, crop marks have revealed the site of a possible henge here.

“The perimeter pit alignment and external ditch of the henge were excavated in advance of the cemetery extension. An undated crouched inhumation was found in one pit which may have been covered by a barrow. An extensive geophysical survey was also undertaken around the henge suggesting that the pit alignment was an irregular oval of ca.210-350m across.” From the South Yorks SMR

The fort close to Braithwaite Wood, close to Castle Steads is probalby part of the same IA mining community that controlled the area surrounding Flamstone Pin. Tracks coming from this fort lead to Castle Steads and also to the River Cover. This may was have worked with Castle Steads and a number of other features to have created a very large protected zone that allowed the ancient peoples to control access to the entire mining area. This fort, together with Castle Steads were probably the equibvalent of the local bank or strong room – serving to protect large amounts of metal prior to shipment for trade.

Flamstone Pin is noted locally as being a sacred hill and is supposed to have an ancient burial site. On my visit I found a possible cairn that was little more that a flattened area of stones. The Name Flamstone Pin certainly makes it of antiquarian interest and it’s location – close to two IA hillforts and at the highest point in these hills makes it a strong contender for ancient activity.

“The entrance to Fox Hole Cave is situated at an altitude of 400 m on High Wheeldon Hill in Derbyshire (NGR SK 0997 6618). The cave was discovered and partly explored in 1928 (Jackson & Piggott, 1951), and more extensive investigations were carried out during controlled excavations by the Peakland Archaeological Society between 1961 and 1981 (Bramwell, 1962-1981; Bramwell, 1971). The Peakland Archaeological Society excavations concentrated on archaeological deposits in the floor of the Entrance Chamber, the Main Passage and the First Chamber, where a sequence of deposits up to 2 metres deep was recorded.
Apart from two human jaw fragments found in disturbed surface deposits in the Entrance Chamber, the human remains were confined to Layer C1, a clay deposit that also contained remains of wild and domestic fauna, charcoal, a Group VI polished stone axe, worked animal bone and teeth, and fragments of Peterborough ware pottery in which the fabric was tempered with limestone and chert grits. This layer was sealed by Layer B, described as a cobbled occupation floor containing sherds of Beaker pottery, occasional sherds of Peterborough and Grooved Wear pottery and some bone and flint artefacts of Neolithic and Bronze Age type. Underlying Layer C1 was the lithologically similar Layer C2 which lacked evidence of human occupation, and this was separated by a stalagmite horizon from Layer D, which contained Late Upper Palaeolithic artefacts. Two items of worked antler from Fox Hole Cave have been radiocarbon dated to the Lateglacial (OxA-1493: 11,970 uncal BP, and OxA-1494: 12,000 uncal BP). Small mammal remains were recovered from all archaeological layers in the cave.” Prehistoric Society

“There are very few neolithic monuments known from Leicestershire and until recently there were no known causewayed enclosures. One has now been identified following gradiometer survey by University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), directed by Adrian Butler; targeting a flint scatter at Husbands Bosworth (SK 635 825) in the south of the county. Situated on a sand and gravel spur overlooking a small valley, the monument consists of a closely-grouped concentric circuit consisting of a double ring of interrupted ditches enclosing an ovoid area covering c. 1.5 ha.” Prehistoric Society

“A small rectangular cropmark site threatened by road construction was excavated in 1992/3 by Leicestershire Archaeological Unit, funded by the Department of Transport through English Heritage. The site comprised a much recut rectangular enclosure mostly devoid of internal features, with to the south and south-east various structures and pit groups. The pottery from the site is almost exclusively Iron Age, and interpretation of a radiocarbon programme has dated the site 450-350 BC.
An unurned cremation burial of a young adult was found in a shallow pit central to a rectangle formed by pits located to the south west of the enclosure. A radiocarbon date of 800-410 cal BC at 95½ confidence was obtained from oak charcoal from the cremation deposit (Camb.Q-3274). The cremation pit which cut earlier features was 0.40m by 0.35m and was up to 0.25m deep. The base of the pit was irregular with a socket on the south-west side, filled with a concentration of calcined bone. ” Prehistoric Society

“In the late summer of 1995 fieldwork carried out as part of the Tyne-Solway Ancient and Historic Landscapes Research Programme led to the discovery of important Mesolithic and Bronze Age sites at approximately 380m AOD (NGR NY 934512) on Birkside Fell, in the North Pennines. Erosion of the thin peaty soils which mantle the fell have exposed an extensive scatter of stone tools and the partially denuded remains of a cairn.” The Prehistoric Society

“A group of eleven or more round barrows of the late Neolithic/early Bronze Age stand close to the present day Butterbump Farm, east of the village of Willoughby. They are situated on a small area of glacial sand and gravel set in the Middle marsh...” “The Butterbump barrows are being levelled by ploughing (although some are now protected under grassland).... Mr Barry Beeby, excavated one of them...He found a cremation burial pit, covered by an arrangement of wooden planks thought to be a bier. A perforated whetstone and bronze dagger with wooden sheath found 2m away were probably contemnporary with the burial. A number of secondary cremation burials belonged to later phases. Radiocarbon dates for the first burial and dagger were 1750BC+/- 180 and for two of the later burials, 1520BC+/-130, and 1520BC+/-80” Lincs History anc Archaeology Vol 17 1982.

“A possible causewayed enclosure was photographed by Derek Edwards in June 1996 during aerial reconnaissance for the Norfolk Museums Archaeology Service and the RCHME. The site was subsequently recorded during work for the English Heritage National Mapping Programme in September 2001 (Bewley 2001). The enclosure (SMR 36398) is located at TG 07230 41564 within the parish of Salthouse in north-east Norfolk. The monument is approximately circular, with a diameter of 60 metres. The circuit appears to be divided into at least seven separate lengths of ditch, although there is a larger gap to the north where a further two stretches of ditch may be obscured. The enclosure lies at a height of 50 metres OD on a south facing slope. The location overlooks the areas to the East, South and West but is topographically situated slightly downslope from the higher ground to the immediate north.” The PreHistoric Society

This probable henge monument, the first identified in Lincolnshire has been identified by crop marks. In measures approx. 20m in diameter, has two entrances (type II) which are aligned on a north west – south east axis. The outer mound was surrounded with at least 24 pits which were equally placed around its circumference, these probably held posts. The henge is not truely circular and is ovoid with it’s longest diameter being in line with the entrance axis.

It has been likened to the Millfield North henge in Northumberland.

This is a long stone mound some 109m in length. It originally had a facade at its east end and may have had internal burial chambers.

This Hillfort had multiple lines of defence comprising rock cut ditches and stone faced ranparts. The hillfort overlies a Neolithic enclosure.

This site has been reconstructed within the Brigantium museum, It comprised of a singe roundhouse and a stone enclosure wall.

Before the Cairn was built, a stone lined grave box or cist was set into the ground. In this cist a dead child was buried together with a special earthenware pot. A capstone was then laid over the cist to seal it. The cairn was built and a ring of stone “kerb” weas placed around it.

Shortly after, part of the Dour Hill cairn was removed and another child and vessel were placed inside, the cist was sealed and the cairn replaced.

This is posted as an artificial mound for want of a more appropriate term. The hill – Worm hill is a challenger for the mantle of the hill that was the dwelling spot for the Lampton Worm – see the Penshaw Hill Page. However, it does not have any rings and is therefore less likely to be so.

The hill itself give the appearance of a a natural hill which has had some modification. Local custom has it that this is an ancient site of significance and should be thought of as a potential ancient site.

Together with Penshaw Hill and Worm Hill in Fatfield these monuments make up a direct east-west alignment which may be of importance.

The basket earing found here and elswhere (Kirkhaugh) are very similar to those found amonst the finds with the “Amesbury Archer” that have been dated between 2500 and 2100 BC. The location of these rings at Boltby – on the turf line under the rampart would tend to suggest an equaly early date for the constructiuon of this promontory hillfort. making it’s construction possibly contemporary with the cursus and henge phases of the Thornborough and wider Swale- Ure complex. It should be noted, however that the date of deposition for these objects may be much later than the date of manufacture.

“All you can see of this encircling wall is a broad spread of collapsed rubble, but it must have been about two metres high and more than three metres wide when originally build. A second inner wall was built later, perhaps to reinforce the weakest part of the hillfort on its north and east side. Inside are the barely visible remains of 20 circular huts – shallow scoops in the ground between 4 and 8m across.” Northumberlans National Park leaflet.

The hair or ear ring found at Kirhaugh, is almost identical to a pair found at Boltby Scar also. They are thought to have originated in Ireland.

“Most of the stone circles in the area are small and have no obvious astronomical significance. It is likely that many originally had a burial function. One such is the embanked stone circle on Harkerside Moor” The Yorkshire Dales, Robert White.

Castle Dykes is a slightly oval henge with the unusual aspect of having an extenal ditch. It is 75m wide and has an external bank that is 9m wide and 1.2m high. The ditch is 9m wide and 1m deep. The only entrance was on the east side side.

This is a Bronze Age hillfort, excavated in the 1970’s by T. G. Manby and the YAS.

“The summit of the hill, between Bole Hill Lodge and the city boundary, an area estimated at 450m by 150m, is contained within the remains of ramparts and ditches.” YAJ 51, 1977.

“A small promontory fort is formed by a stoney bank and shallow ditch, with rough walls round the other approaches formed by aligning rocks on the site along natural breaks of the slope. A D=shaped area, 15m by 16m, abuts on the inside of the bank within the vestiges of a rough wall. Incorporated in this wall is a long stone of triangular section, on which a pair of opposing slots have been cut in adjacent sides.” YAJ 49, 1977

“H.G.Ramm reports a probalbe cursus in the Scales, Fimber Grange and Fimber Station area. An aerial photograph taken by John Dent has entended parallel ditches previously known in fragmentary form and enabling them to be interpreted as a cursus running along the valley floor, the north ditch from SE89396106 to SE 90756104 and the southern ditch from SE 89376103 to SE 90686102. The distance between the ditches varies from 18-27m west of fimber grange to 30-37m east of the Grange.

“H.G. Ramm reports that a hange has been identified on an Ordnance Survey air photograph as a crop mark showing through ploughed ridge and furrow. It has a diameter of 61m with entrances to the north west and south east.” YAJ 49, 1977.

“A previously unrecorded promontory fort was identified by D. Smith on air photographs and later surveyed by him and G. W. Goodall. A single rampart with external ditch extends accross the west-facing spur of Live Moor to enclose an area of approximately 2 acres known as Knolls End. Where best preserved the rampart is 7.3m wide and 2.3m high externally and .5m internally, while the ditch is up to 1.5m wide and .6m deep with a fragmentoary counter scarp bank. The work has been mutilated by quarrying and associated trackways, but a gap in the rampart and ditch at NZ 49640126 probably represents an original entrance” YAS 51, 1978.

This cave has shown extensive use from the Mesolithic and before to the Roman period. Finds have included animal bone, flints and pottery.

“A section cut accross the cursus by P. Topping of Newcastle University showed that both ditches had been re-cut from a norrower almost V-shape to a wide shallow form. A truncated post hole was found dug into the silting of the eastern ditch. A large low mound apparently lay within the ditches at the north west end of the cursus. There was also evidence here os external pits possibly holding upright timbers” YAJ 51, 1978

“Earthworks with internal ditch and bank are not uncommon in Northern England. The Great Ayton enclosure resembles in plan Studfold Ring near Sproxton but the bank and ditch of the latter are very large in comparison and its date is unknown. The geometry of the enclosure is strikingly similar to that od West Brandon Iron Age enclosure in Durham, but there the ditch was probably on the outside of the bank.” Tinkler and Pratt 1978 YAS, 50.

The enclosure appears to have been for pastoral use and has been dated to 100-300BC. The enclosure has had a lengthy period of use, extending into the Roman period. Soil analysis has shown that the surrounding environment was mainly openb grassland at the time of construction.

“Apron full of Stones, a ring cairn built almost completely of grit and sandstone, is perched on a post-glacial lake shore, the valley having been dammed by a terminal moraine immediately above Thornton Force. During the prehistoric period the floor of this small valley was virtually covered by a braided river streaming over the old lake flats; these surface waters were canelised during the eighteenth century enclosures in the lower part of the valley. Near the cairn a large wall was built to direct the Bingsdale Beck along the north eastern side of the valley. Most of the material for this wall came from the top of the cairn., and to aggrevate matters the river was made to impinge upon the river bank/lake terrace at the spot where the cairn was built.” Alan King, 1977, YAJ 50.

” the complex ritual landscape at Ferrybridge...Crop marks in this area reveal an extensive system of monuments and fields...A 100m diameter henge monument dominated the prehistoric and Romani-British...it has suffered seriously from ploughing....nearbye were two 15.5m post circles and a short pit alignment and paralell ditch....Dating revealed dates of usage to be 2590-2142BC, 3040-2625BC and 3358-2876BC...these monuments generally appear to date to the later Neolithic and Bronze Age, and continued to be constructed for around 1500 years” A New Link to the Past – Roberts, Burgess and Berg, 2001.

This site is thought to be of the same type as the Thornborough series and may therefore show, together with Newton Kyme a possible extension to the sacred plateau.

This henge is apparently of the Thornborough type and may therefore be an extension of the Swale – Ure plateau group.

It was completely destroyed in the late first century AD when the Roman’s built a fort over it – together with Catterick these henges also add weight to Julian Cope’s theory about the Romans trashing the prehistoric ancient sites.

This henge was originally thought to be a Roman Amphitheatre but is now more likely to be a henge. It’s odd that a bunch of Roman archaeologists mistook a stonebuilt structure for one made of earth. The henge has had a treble blow in terns of damage – firstly the Roman road of Dere street went through its centre – perhaps adding weight to Julian’s assertions about the Roman conquest. Secondly, the racecourse went over it, and thirdly the remainder is being quarried. Poor old henge.

“Until now the Mayburgh henge has been considered exceptional in that it lacked a ditch and its single bank was composed of small river derived stones. The Catterick henge appears, from the excavated evidence, to be of similar plan and construction, and it is only slightly larger than Mayburgh, which has diameters of c. 87.5m (internal) and c 124m (external) with a single entrance through the 36.6m wide bank. Unfortunately none of the apparent gaps in the bank at Catterick can be positively identified as entrances”. P. R. Wilson – Catteractonium.

The avenue measured 37.2m wide, with flanking ditches 4.10m wide on the east side and 3.90m wide on the west.

Cursus monument 380m long and 8.3m wide, oriented northwest to south east.

The cursus is 700ft long and 95ft wide, there is an associated mortuary enclosure. The whole thing is only visible from cropmarks and has been partly destroyed. 400m souith east of Barford Sheds.

“Old Montrose Cursus in Angus sits on a raised area of a valley floor which, in the event of flooding, could become an island.” Kenneth Brophy, British Archaeology Magazine, May 1999.

This cursus was originally over 1.2 kilometres long and 43 metres wide, its western half has now been destroyed by quarrying.

A long cropmark enclosure at Springfield Barnes, Essex, close to Chelmsford, interpreted as a Neolithic cursus, was investigated between 1979-85 By D.G. Buckley, J.D. Hedges & N. Brown which confirmed its date and established a site sequence. The enclosure was c. 690 m long and 37-49 m wide, the ditch being uninterrupted in all areas examined. Features within the interior at the eastern end included an incomplete ring of substantial post-pits which it is suggested originally formed a complete circle. Peterborough pottery, predominately Mortlake style, Grooved Ware, a small amount of Beaker pottery, earlier Bronze Age urn sherds, and flint artefacts of the late 3rd-early 2nd millennium were recovered from the cursus ditch and other features. Collectively the evidence indicates a prolonged period of use.

From ABSTRACTS, VOLUME 67, 2001 Proceedings of the prehistoric society