Beacon (Matfen)
(NZ 01107594) Earthwork. (1)
'Mootlaw'. An irregular-shaped earthwork with single rampart enclosing approximately 0.75 acre. (Listed under Native Sites in Northumberland). (2)
Entrenchment surrounding a tumulus, which seems to have been used as a beacon. (3)
A quadrangular enclosure, in fair condition, formed by a single bank, affected in places by scarping the natural slope. There is an apparent entrance to the south west. Despite an elevated position, the work is non-defensive, and its period and purpose are problematical. The internal 'tumulus' is a square platform of earth and stones, surrounded by a low bank, and is almost certainly a beacon. Surveyed at 1:2500. (4)
Published survey (25 inch) revised. The practice of raising beacon mounds within prehistoric earthworks is not uncommon in the area, but, in this case, the construction and general appearance suggest that both works coeval and post-Roman ie a beacon platform with contemporary enclosure. (5)
Scheduled. (6)
NZ 011 760. Mootlaw camp. Scheduled No ND/48. (7a)
'Mootlaw'. An irregular-shaped earthwork with single rampart enclosing approximately 0.75 acre. (Listed under Native Sites in Northumberland). (2)
Entrenchment surrounding a tumulus, which seems to have been used as a beacon. (3)
A quadrangular enclosure, in fair condition, formed by a single bank, affected in places by scarping the natural slope. There is an apparent entrance to the south west. Despite an elevated position, the work is non-defensive, and its period and purpose are problematical. The internal 'tumulus' is a square platform of earth and stones, surrounded by a low bank, and is almost certainly a beacon. Surveyed at 1:2500. (4)
Published survey (25 inch) revised. The practice of raising beacon mounds within prehistoric earthworks is not uncommon in the area, but, in this case, the construction and general appearance suggest that both works coeval and post-Roman ie a beacon platform with contemporary enclosure. (5)
Scheduled. (6)
NZ 011 760. Mootlaw camp. Scheduled No ND/48. (7a)
N10187
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1968; D Smith
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